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IN THE
WAR OF THE UNION
By CHARLES r. HUBERT,
Assisted bv Members of the Regiment.
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KANSAS CITY. MO.:
Western Veteran Publishing Company,
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1894.
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Hubert, Charles F 1843-
History of tlie Fiftieth regiment, Illinois volunteer in-
fantry in the war for the union. By Charles F. Hubert,
assisted by members of the regiment. Kansas City, Mo.,
Western veteran publishing company, 1894.
630 p. incl. front., illus. pi., 11 port., double map. 23co\
1. U. S.— Hist.— Civil war— Regimental histories—Ill. inf.— 50th. 2. Illi-
nois infantry'- 50th rcgt, 1861-1865.
Library of Congress
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In grateful remembrance of his
exhalied patriotism, his unselfish devo-
tion to duty, his unceasing and loving care
for the sons of Illinois on battle field or in hospital,
this volume is dedicated by the survivors of the Fiftieth
Illinois Infantry Volunteers to the Memory of the Great War Governor
RICHARD YATES.
In the darkest hour of the conflict his faith in God, and the armed
legions of loyalty sent forth by him, never faltered, but in
full strength abided unto the end. May tin's hum-
ble tribute of affection and respect be accepted
as one Stone in the Monument to
his imperishable name.
*-*. .2> - v
vn
— E
PAGE PORTRAITS.
Fronticepiece — Committee Group.
PAGE.
Colonel Moses M. Bane 15
Quartermaster William Keal 21
Lieutenant Colonel William Swarthoui 40
Adjutant Theodore W. I.ptton 10S
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas W, Gaines 108
Chaplain Mathen M. Bigger 211
Colonel William Hanna . . . ■ 289
Major Horace L. Burnham 376
Surgeon Henry W. Kendall 440
Assistant Surgeon Albert G. Pickett 454
General Graudvilie M. Dod^e . 481
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ILLUSTRATIONS.
Our Charley 24
Map of Rattle Field of Shiioh 94
Barracks at Corrinth, Showing Company A 183
Wounding of N. B. Armstrong, Company P 274
Union Refugees 285
Allatoona 296
The A tract on the 30th Iowa ". 300
On Kenuesaw Watching the Battle at Allatoona 305
Making Corduroy Road 347
Laying Pontoon 352
Rebel Stockade Near Columbia 353
Forager Skirmishing 3o9
Action at Benton ville 376
Lee Has Surrendered 382
General Sherman 307
Chuca-Luck Hollow ' 402
Captain McGii.li uddy and the Old Flag 420
The Lone Grave , 574
INTR0DUC1I0H
'HE preparation of a history comprising any thin,"' like a
correct detail of the services of a regiment during nearly
four years of marching and battling for the life of the
Nation is attended with marked difficulties.
When this work was inaugurated at the re-union of the
Fiftieth at Quincy, 111., in 1888, more than twenty-three years had
elapsed since the last hostile shot had been fired at the flag.
And when soon after the great army of blue returned home and
took up the lines of peace, but little thought or care was given
to the war just closed, or if its memory was called up at all, it
was only as a dread visitation of blood and sorrow, of travail
and woe. In short duty to country having been fulfilled the
duties to home and loved ones became paramount, and as the
years came and went much of the soldier life was forgotten or
else grew dim in memory. •
If was under these circumstances that a committee was
appointed with, instructions to prepare and publish a regimen-
tal history. Without any desire to in the least reflect upon the
comrades composing that committee, it is the fact that but lit-
tle was accomplished by it, beyond the gathering of some data
by its secretary. Virtually, however, nothing was done. At
the re-union of the regiment held at Camp Point, Illinois, in
.1801, a new committee was organized, with 0. II Coulter, as
Chairman and Chas. F. Hubert, Secretary. A plan was adopted
which comprised first the raising of a guarantee fund; second,
the price of the hook was fixed at two dollars per copy and sub-
scriptions were solicited, one dollar to be paid at the time the
order was given, the remaining dollar upon delivery of the
volume. Thus a fund of several hundred dollars was obtained,
and active work begun, which involved not only a mass of cor-
respondence with members of the regiment in which especial
interest was urged in behalf ^'i the undertaking, but the gath-
ering of data from every source at command. The response
.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 7
to the urgent appeals of the committee fur assistance was, to
say the least, disappointing, and often the out look was dark
and uninviting. The committee, however, happily recognized
the importance of a beginning, and so a contract was entered
into for the printing of the work and the first few chapters
were written, set up and submitted as a sample, the recep-
tion of which was highly encouraging. From the very in-
ception of the undertaking it was resolved that the history
should contain nothing that would in the least justly offend
the name or memory of any member of the regiment, living or
dead, and the purpose was equally well denned that the adven-
tures, marches and battles through which the regiment had
passed should be held as nearly as possible to the fact.
If there should be criticism upon the part of comrades
that the history is guilty of omission in not recounting many in-
teresting scenes and incidents in which the regiment participated
the committee offers in defense the simple fact that a complete
account of each days service would swell the history of the
Fiftieth into volumes, for this was not a holiday regiment, its
service was not in the rear and within safe lines, but always at
the front and often upon the extreme edge of danger. If any
comrade feels that lie has been slighted, or that some deed of
bravery by his fallen comrade has been passed over without
notice, let him be gentle in his judgment for upon second
thought lie will find that he is largely to blame, for the call
was made upon him as upon all, from the least to the greatest,
for whatever information they were posessed and willing to
furnish in order that full credit and glory might be given.
So with all its imperfections tiiis story of devotion to
country and flag is submitted. The labor in its creation has
indeed been a labor of love. With reverence due to their great
sacrifice have the names of our beloved dead been embalmed on
the pages now commit led to the future, and in the same spirit,
impelled by the same high minded purpose as moulded the
dear old ''Blind Half Hundred" into one of the best regiments
Illinois sent to battle, the committee closes its trust, know-
ing that the men who made the name of this proud and loyal
8
HISTORY OF THE
..
V'
regiment to shine as the stars in the firmament, and their
descendants, will ever stand at the out-post of freedom's citadel ?
faithful sentinels for liberty and law.
Col. M. U. Baxe, Col. William Hanna and Li„eut. J. W.
Anderson, Members Ex-oilicio.
0. H, Coulter,
Q, F. Hubert,
G. S. Bartells,
S.. E. Hewes,
F. C Ward,
Committee.
i
.
The undersigned deem it but just to add to the above in-
troduction the sense ot their high appreciation for the able and
efficient services of Comrades 0. EL Coulter and Charles F.
Hubert.
As Chairman of the committee Comrade Coulter by the
exercise of his skill and energy and often at his own expense
forcei this undertaking to a successful issue.
Comrade Hubert, as secretary has practically given three
years to this work. His correspondence has run up into hun-
dreds, if not thousands of letters, and he has without regard to
personal comfort or expense employed every means at his com-
mand whereby material for the history could be obtained.
Every page, every incident of camp, march or battle has been
examined, criticised, corrected and revised by him, and in a
spirit that may be justly termed heroic he lias so fulfilled his
duty as to merit the high approval of his country as well as of
his comrades.
J. W. Anderson,
M. M. Bane,
William FJanna,
Mem hers Ex-ojficio.
G. S. Bartells,
S. E. Hewes,
F. C. Ward,
Committee.
CHAPTER I.
TO one man in the country was more responsible for the
v sentiments and conditions prevailing at the outbreak of
the War of the Rebellion than John C. Calhoun, of
South Carolina. It was his forceful and persistent efforts
which so changed the sentiments <^i the people of the south,
and especially of his own state, as to make it possible to defy
the Federal authorities, and denounce the authority of Congress
as was done' during the notorious nullification agitation in 1882.
It required such a brave and determined man as President An-
drew Jackson, with threat to hang Calhoun, to avert the crisis
which was then upon the government.
Rut the seeds of nullification and states rights were sown
in the minds of the people who were over jealous at the pros-
perous prospects of the busy Northern people. Contemporane-
ously was the growing agitation of the slavery question, with
the1 famous Dred Scott decision, in which Judge Taney affirmed
that negroes were not citizens, and that Congress had no power
under the constitution to forbid slavery in the territories, and
that "negroes have no rights which the white man is bound t<>
respect." The south was being wrought upon by the hot head-
ed politicians and the dealers who were reaping fortunes out of
the slave traffic. No story was too preposterous to be told
about what tic anti-slavery advocates woirld do should they
succeed in freeing tie* slaves; prejudice was so wrought upon as
HISTORY OF THE
to quickly germinate the seeds of treason and secession so in-
dustriously scattered over the fair Southland by Calhoun and
his followers. "John Brown of Ossawattomie," had boldly seiz-
ed the government arsenal at Harper's Ferry, and with a hand-
ful of men had fortified himself therein, hoping to be joined by
an army of slaves from that region, whom he would arm and
set to fighting for their own freedom. His effort proved that,
as with Lopez in his descent upon Cuba, those whom he would
help did not look with favor upon his bold scheme, and after a
short encounter with the government forces, in which ten of
his men were killed and he several times wounded, he was forc-
ed to surrender, was tried by a Virginia court and executed by
Gov. Wise, at Chariestown.
But the John Brown incident only served to crystalize
sentiment both in the south and in the north, and when in 1800
the "sectional president, " as Lincoln was called in the south,
was found to be elected, the leaders of the south made hasty
preparations to put into effect their loud threats of secession.
Men were busily engaged all over the south organizing, arming
and drilling; public meetings were of daily occurrence, at
which the doctrines of Calhoun were loudly advocated • army
officers of southern birth resigned and offered their services t<>
the proposed "confederacy"; ordinances of secession were hur-
riedly passed by many of the southern states; government
property, arsenals and arms in those states were forcibly seized ;
the "Confederate States of America" proclaimed an indepen-
dent government, with Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, as presi-
dent.
This was the situation when President Lincoln was in-
•ducted into his office, March 4th, 1861.. He and his friends
lioped to avert war, and thought to bring the rebellious element
back into the Union. In that hope the government at Wash-
ington failed to inaugurate any definite policy, leaving all
things in doubt. On the other hand the rebels had been and
-were very active, getting men and munitions of war in readi-
ness, by seizing in January J 80 1, Fort Macon, at Beaufort, S. C.
The United States works at Wilmington. The U, S. arsenal at
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
11
Tnvlorville. Forts Caswell and Johnson, in North Carolina.
Forts Pulaski and Jackson, and the arsenal at Savannah, Ga.,
Fort Morgan and the arsenal at Mobile, Ala., Forts St. Phillip,
Jackson and Pike, the Custom House and Mint at New Orleans.
The arsenal at Baton Rouge, Banancas and the U. S. Xavv Yard
in Florida, and the arsenal at Augusta. Ga.
Active hostilities began on April 12th, when Beauregard,
who had command of the rebel troops at Charleston, S. C, be-
gan the bombardment of Fort Sumpter, which after sustaining
a heavy tire for thirty-four hours, was forced to surrender.
The little hand of sixty-four loyal men under Major Anderson
and Captain Abner Boubleday, fired a salute of fifty guns to
the flag before hauling it down, and were then permitted to
march out and board a steamer for the north, taking with them
every article of private property as well as their arms and flags.
The. bombardment and surrender of Fort Sumpter went
through the north like an electric shock. The sturdy, placid
people of that section viewed with more amusement than
alarm the bombast and wild threats of the leaders of the
south, and the secession ordinances of the states, together
with their provisional governments, were looked upon as
parts of an extensive bluff. The audacity of the leaders in in-
citing the rougher classes to commit all kinds of outrages
against people of anti-slavery sentiments, had long been a com-
mon affair, and these warlike incidents were believed to be but
the indications of a more energetic policy in this direction.
But the firing upon the flag at Sumpter woke the north
from its lethargy; indignation rapidly succeeded astonishment,
and before the surrender of Anderson's little band, the whole
north was aglow with a tire of Patriotism never before known
nor equalled. The news of the fall of Fort Sumpter found the
citizens all through the north assembled in mass meetings, in
which party linns w^re in a moment obliterated. These meet-
ings resolved themselves into "war meetings," and before the
smoke had cleared away from the dark and battered walls of
Sumpter, companies were organized and the wires were busy
with the temlers of men and money to meet the treasonable
12
HISTORY OF THE
uprising against the government. The call for 75,000 was twice
filled before it was formally made. Never was there known
among men such a spontaneous uprising; men left every known
station and avocation in life, eager to meet and overcome the
hosts of treason.
The belief that a sixty days campaign would wipe out
the disorder prevailed at Washington, and rested in the heart
of the loyal people. But whether for short or for long. Illinois
responded gloriously* and her sons went forth marching and
shouting for flag and country. Scarce a month, however, had
passed ere it had become a settled fact that a long, grievious
and bloody war was at hand to be fought out to a conclusion,
at great expense of life and treasure.
Illinois on the 12th of April. 18(31, was possessed of a
population of over one-and-a-half millions. She was rapidly
springing forward to the first among the states, not only in
population but as well in the intelligence, loyalty and bravery
of her people, and in her vast resources of wealth. Crowned
with splendid possibilities. In all those resources which go to
make up a great state she stood second to no other state in the
Union, and when on the 12th of April. 1861, the hosts of trea-
son assaulted the flag -.of the Union, Illinois, though hoping for
peace, was prepared for war so far as men were concerned, 'She
had no munitions of war, she had no supplies ready at hand for
an army in the field, she had no army, not even tie* skeleton of
an organization, but she had hundreds and thousands of men
as noble as ever marched or braved the dangers of a battle, who
were ready, as were the minute men of old, to spring at the call
to the defense of the imperilled nation, its assaulted majesty
and power.
On the loth of April. 1S(>1. the following dispatch was
sent to him, who was forever after to be known and loved as
the (treat War Governor:
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
13
Washington, D. C., April 15th, 1861.
His Excellency, Rn harp Yates :
Call made upon you by to-night's mail for six regiments of
militia for immediate service.
simon Cameron,
Secretary of War.
Immediate compliance in letter and spirit was had. The
legislature was called in special session and at once orders were
issued for the raising of the six regiments called for. The res-
ponse was as grand as the purpose was noble. Within a week
ten regiments had perfected an organization and were ready for
orders.
On the 19th" of April the sixth Massachusetts marching
through Baltimore were assailed by a mob and a number killed
and wounded, and on the same day Governor Yates received or-
ders from Washington to send a brigade of troops under a Brig-
adier General, to Cairo. Illinois. In .May, 1861, another call
for three hundred thousand troops was issued by the President:
for three years or during the war, and on the 22d of July fol-
lowing, congress then in session, authorized the President to
call into service five hundred thousand troops, and on the 23d
of July the following correspondence took place:
Exkcctiye Office,
Sprinufiklo, Illinois,
July 23d, 1861,
Hon. Simon Cameron:,
Secretary of War.
Sir: — j>eiug advised that you are receiving tenders of additional troop>, I
desire to tender you for Illinois, thirteen additional regiments of Infantry, most
of them now ready for rendezvous, three additional regiments of Cavalry, and
one additional battallion of Light Artillery.
Illinois demands the right to do her full share in the work of preserving'
our glorious Union from the assaults of high handed rebellion, and I insist that
you respond favorably to the tender I have made.
RICHARD YATES.
On the same day, and hi response t<> the patriotic de-
mand made by Illinois, through her grand Governor, the fol-
lowing dispatch was sent from Washington-;
14
HISTORY OF THE
War Department,
July 25th, 1861.
Governor:
I have telegraphed to-day accepting your patriotic offer of thirtsen addi-
tional regiments of infantry, three additional regiments of cavalry and one ad-
ditional battallion of artillery, advising you that if you so desire you can provide
for and equip them if yen can do so with advantage, as respects economy and
dispatch. It is absolutely necessary that- the oilicers should be capable and reli-
able men, and to this end the department wishes it understood that it will re-
voke the commission of all officers who maybe fbnnd incompetent for com-
mand. You will please telegraph immediately to the Adjutant General at Wash,
ington, where and when these troops will be ready to be mustered into service,
in order that an officer may be detailed for that duty without delay.
I appreciate the patriotic spirit of your people as evinced in your noble
offer, and doubt not that, they wiii prove equal to every demand that may be
made upon them in behalf of the preservation of our Glorious I'nion.
I am, Governor, with high respect,
Your obedient servant,
SIMON CAMERON.
Secretary of War.
Under this authority the offer made by Governor Yates,
was at once tilled, and the following regiments mustered into
service for three vein's:
26th Col. Loomis.
27th Col. Buford.
28th Col. Johnson.
§9th Col. Reardon.
80th Col. Foiike.
31st Col. John A. Logan,
50th Col. Bane.
Also the Third. Sixth and Seventh Cavalry.
?>"2d Co]. John Logan.
88th Col. Carlin.
43d Col. Paith.
d'»th Col. Davis.
48th Col. Haynie.
40th Col. .Morrow.
COL. MOSES M. BANK
-
*
CHAPTER II.
Organization of Adams County Regiment — Rendezvous at Camp Wood — First
Experiences as a Soldier — Mustered into the United States Service — Draw-
ing Uniforms — The Old Harper's Ferry Muskets— Disgust of the Men-
Having their Pictures Taken.
" TXDER the call of President Lincoln for 500,000 men to en-
! list for three years, or (hiring the war, in suppressing the
rebellion, it was decided to raise one regiment of men
from Adams County, Illinois, to he known as the Adams Coun-
ty regiment.
Hon. K. K. Jones, editor of the Whig-Republican, of
Quincy, Dr. M. M. Banc, Col. Morris and 0. A. Warren were the
moving spirits in the work and they, with others, held meetings
in various parts of the county for the purpose of creating inter-
est and enthusiasm in the work. Provisional companies had
already been organized at Beverly, Kingston, Liberty, Quincy
and other points in the county, and the officers and men of
these companies attended the meetings and assisted greatly in
promoting the cause.
In the latter part of July the officers and men of these
organizations, or provisional companies, decided, if they would
accept a regiment from Adams county, that they would form
a part of it. and in accordance therewith made arrangements
to rendezvous at Quincy on the 15th of August, or as soon
as the War Department had signified that their service would
In- accepted.
16
HISTORY OF THE
Oil August 2nd, O....H. Browning, who was in Washington,
notified K. K. Jones, by wire, that the War Department had
authorized Governor Yates to accept all regiments ottering their
services and that the Adams county regiment would be accept-
able no doubt. Tlie next day he wired as follows:
Washington, D. C, Aug. IJ. 1861,
To K. K.Jones, Quincy, 111..
Regiment accepted. Be ready in fifteen days,
0. H. BROWNING.
This was the word that had been looked for and set eve-
rybody to work. The disastrous battle of Bull Run had. just
been fought and the country awakened to the fact that war was
not the plaything that it had been regarded by many up to
that time. Nowhere' was there a more determined spirit that
the rebellion must be suppressed, at any hazzard, than in Adams
county, that had set" out to send one entire regiment into the
field. Recruiting was pushed with vigor, everywhere in the
county. By the 18th of August several companies had rendez-
voused at Quincy. and others had gone into camp in the imme-
diate vicinity of their organization, awaiting further orders.
Subsequently these orders came for them toassemble at Quincy,
and by the 20th seven companies had gone into camp, which
had been designated Camp Wood, and located on the high bluff
one and a half miles IVom the public square in Quincy, and
overlooking Quincy Bay, just west of where the Illinois State
Soldier's and Sailor's Home is now located.
Dr. M. M. Banc, by general consent, took' command of
the camp, .though the details of assigning the companies, as
they came into camp, the placing of matters in shape for regi-
mental organization, and many other matters of importance,
were performed and successfully carried out by Wm. Swarthout,
who afterwards became Lieut. Colonel of the regiment.
Camp life had now begun for the Adams county boys,
who had started out with the fixed determination of doing
their share in the great war drama, that had but barely com-
menced and in which they were destined to play an important
part before the curtain rung down.
KIFTIKTH ILLINOIS IX.FANTRY
The noisy drums were never a moment late in rousing
the camp at six o'clock reveille. Drowsy, half dressed men
would turn out in double rank in front of their quarters to an-
swer to their names at roll call.
The Orderly Sergeants were very careful to see that every
man answered "here," or, if he failed to answer, and his absence
was not accounted for. or he was not. on duty, away he would go
to the guard house, or. be put on "double duty," cleaning up the
camp. etc. Orderly Sergeants were greatly feared by the Adams
county boys — in the early days of their service,
Then came breakfast — breakfast, with its black coffee
without cream from the spring house, which those farmer boys
had been used to all their lives. Bakers' bread without butter,
instead of Mother's good old "salt risin' spread with butter
fresh from "old brindleV milk. A few days of such life and
many an Adams county boy felt that sleeping in a feather bed
was preferable to sleeping on the ground, or on a plank, and
there were many longings for home and its comforts.
The first days, or weeks in camp, was by all soldiers,
"sorter tryin1' on their patriotism; a kind of cooling of their
ardor, or desire to clean out Jeff. Davis and his horde in a
couple of weeks. But they soon got used to their surroundings:
their homesickness wore off and they were as we'll contented as
though th^y \veifc at home. The Adams county hoys lived to
see the time, many of them, when life at Cam]) Wood was re-
garded as a huge picnic as compared with their after experi-
ence.
On September 4th notice was received in camp that a
Chaplain had been appointed for the regiment. This was im-
portant information, as a large majority of the Adams county
regiment, as it was yet called, were religious men — as yet, and
the advent of a Chaplain, a preacher, officially charged to look
after their welfare, was anticipated with the same anxiety that
tiie early pioneers of Adams county looked forward to the com-
ing of the circuit rider. A great many of the regiment were
already acquainted with the Chaplain, Rev. Matthew M. Bigger
1$
HISTORY OF THE
of .Clayton, who had been the Presbyterian minister of that
place for years, and he was cordial lv received by the men.
These first weeks in camp were not unattended with anx-
iety and some fear that the enemy might make himself felt
among them. While not yet in the hostile country, the encamp-
ment was on the border, or what was regarded as seeesh land —
State of Missouri. The Mississippi river was all that separated
these new and untried soldiers from what was supposed to be
the enemv on the other side. Frequent were the rumors of an
attack to be made on the camp by the enemy.
At the northwest corner of the camp was an old grave
yard, or burying ground, and from this direction the enemy, it
was generally concededr would make his attack. Pickets posted
in the vicinity of this old grave yard were duly charged with a
grave responsibility, and it is safe to say there was no sleeping
on post by the guards in that direction of the camp. In after
times the boys were wont to laugh at the fear and trembling
with which, they had stood picket in, or about, that old burying
ground, expecting an enemy that never came, or perhaps, had
any intention ".of doing so.
As yet no arms had been furnished the troops at Camp
Wood, but after an unusual scare one night, in which it was
reported that the enemy were crossing the river in force to
attack the cam]), it ,;as concluded by those in charge that the
bushwhackers and rebel sympathisers on the other side might
take a notion to give the Adams county troops some trouble, so
they bestirred themselves and secured some old Harper's Ferry
muskets, for camp duty and to defend the State of Illinois from
the Missouri invaders.
It was at Camp Wood that the regiment passed through
the changeable period in the mode of living in camp and at
home, and the consequent results to the physical system. There
was considerable sickness, camp diarrhea being the most pre-
vailing ailment, caused largely by the loose manner of livings
change of water and a tendency to eal any and everything that
came into camp, from a half-ripe water melon to a stale green
apple pie. The first death in the regimeni was Private W. B.
FIFTIKTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
19
Bnnvn, of Company B, which occurred shortly after going into
camp and before the regiment was mustered. How much of
the sickness in camp may he due to over zealous friends, will
probably never be known. The camp, it will be noticed, was
only a few hours' travel from the homes of about all the boys.
Those at home imagined if they did not come down to camp
once or twice a week, and bring John, or Bill, or Tom something
to eat the poor boy would starve. Hence there was a continued
drove of Adams county people, every day. anxious to relieve an
aching void in the stomaches of the young soldiers, but more
often overloading them with delicacies that were harmful, in a
large degree, to their health.
The boys of the Fiftieth will remember good fanner John
Moore, who lived about one mile east of Quincy. In the great-
ness of his patriotic heart, and a desire to do something for the
soldier boys, who were preparing t.h em selves for war, he drove
into camp one day with a heaped up wagon load of fine apples-
and going from one company quarters to another, told the boys
to help themselves. The Quincy Whig-Republican the next day
contained an account of his visit to camp and a vote of thanks
by the men for his generosity.
In after years there were times when the men could have
stood some of the good things they had at Camp Wood with a
great deal snore relish and less injury to their systems, but they
did not think so then, and if perchance the butter, eggs. pies,
fried chicken, cake, jellies, etc., were short for a meal or two. it
was a great hardship.
*
Who of the old Fiftieth have forgotten their early train-
ings as a soldier at Camp Wood. The squad drills and endeav-
ors to acquire the company and battalion maneuvers: the man-
ual of arms and the awkward manner in which they handled an
army musket? In after times these things were simple and
performed without an effort, but then it was the great consider-
ation of the hour. Like the boy at school who would never be
President, unless he mastered his A, lb Cs, so the Adams county
boys, and particularly the officers of the regiment, were satisfied
that the south would not surrender as long as a fellow in that
-20
HISTORY OF THF.
regiment could not make an "about-face" with the precision of
a West Pointer. Captains and Lieutenants were imbued, no
doubt, with the idea that Mr. Lincoln and the government at
Washing-ton, had their eye on their particular companies, and
the way they did make the boys pound sand in drilling was a
caution.
Over a quarter of a century lias passed since then, and
vet the old Fiftieth bows will not have foraotten Capt. John W.
Smith, of,company B, with his sword grasped firmly in his
hand much as a butcher would grasp a knife in sousing it into
a beef, and with a soldierly tread he would march in front of
his company, with eye now and then along the line, in fear and
anxiety that some awkward fellow would lose the step and
make a break in the movement he was endeavoring to execute
beautifully, and show off his company to the visitors that gen-
erally thronged the cam}). *
And then who has forgotten good Capt. William INI.
Gooding, of company C. darting here and there to see that
every man was in his right place, and that guns at a "right
shoulder shift" had not assumed the easy position the fellows
hud been accustomed to in carrying their guns in hunting
squirrels.
And then Capt. Thomas W. Gainer, who afterwards be-
came Major, as he drilled company D. His sonorous voice is
yet to be heard, keeping time with his "heft, heft, heft, keep
back there a little* Corporal Floyd, you are too far out of line,
heft, heft/' and so it went from day to day. An amusing inci-
dent that happened to Capt, Gaines will be remembered:
One afternoon th^n* was an unusual number of visitors
in camp. <md Capt. Gaines bethought himself that now was a
good time to show otf the proficiency of company I) in the tae-
fics. It was warm, the boys had been out all forenoon drilling
and were tired, and besides, drilling had become somewhat of a
chestnut anyway, but with a good many smothered growls, not
to say cuss words, they obeyed the order of the Orderly Sergeant
to "fall in." With many admonitions from the Captain to do
their best that afternoon and show the visitors how well they
.ijSK^Ksibs^
*
QUARTERMASTEK WILLIAM KEAL.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
were getting on, they started in, and were getting along smooth-
ly and would have come <>if swimmingly but for an unfortunate
mishap to the Captain. He was in front of his company march-
ing in plattoon movement, himself marching backward, with
his eve on the entire line, he keeping up the sonorous "heft,
heft," when without warning his heels struck a stump and over
he went, heels over head, on the opposite side. Without los-
ing the cadence, he was <>n his feet in a moment, and continued
his "heft, heft," as though nothing unusual had occurred. But
it was too much for company I>. There was a snicker here and
there down the line, which finally broke out into a roar and
was joined in by others, soldiers and visitors, who had been
watching the dril.l. The Captain put on his most stern, soldier-
ly countenance and commanded silence in the ranks, (with by
Joe. Betsey, what you doing here), which was partially obeyed,
but he saw that the incident had created a diversion that would
destroy the efficiency of further movements, and realizing some-
what the figure he must have cut in tumbling over the stump.
the men were dismissed to go to their quarters and laugh all
they pleased.
September 11th. 1861, the seven companies, already in
camp, were mustered into the service by Cant. T. 0. Pitcher, of
the U. S.. Regular Army, as the Fiftieth Illinois Volunteer In-
fantry. Subsequently the regiment was filled to the full com-
plement of ten companies by the muster of companies H and 1
September 30. and company K November 1, 1861. Some effort
had been made to induce Capt. Pitcher to take command of the
regiment, but he declined all overtures in that direction and Dr.
Moses M. Bane, who had been largely instrumental in raising
the regiment and equipping it for service, was commissioned
Colonel and took command. Win. Swarthout, of Quincv, was
elected Lieut. Colonel: George \\\ Randall, of Camp Point.
Major: Thomas J.Brown, of Toledo. Ohio, who enlisted as a
private in company C. was appointed Adjutant; William Keal,
of Payson, was appointed Quartermaster; Dr. Henry W.Ken-
dall, of Payson, Surgemi ; darner H. Pane, of Liberty, As-
22
HISTORY OF THE
sistant Surgeon, and Rev. Matthew M. Bigger, of Clayton,
Chaplain.
It was expected by the companies raised outside of Adams
county, three of them, F, G and H, that Capt. G. \V. Brown, of
company G, who had been active in raising the three outside
companies, would be elected Major of the regiment and they so
voted, but the Adams county companies voted for Randall and
he was elected.
On the 25th of September there was a proclamation by
the Mayor of the city in accord with the Governor's proclama-
tion, that the next Thursday should be a day of fasting and
prayer to the God of battles for the success of the Union cause
— the cause of freedom and religious liberty.
October 2d will always be remembered by the Fiftieth.
Up to that time they had been soldiering in their citizen clothes
and though becoming proficient in the tactics and accustomed to
army life they were a motley looking body of men. Col. Bane
and Quartermaster Keal had worked hard to equip the boys
with uniforms, but had been unable before to accomplish this.
But the soldier clothes arrived at last. Boxes were unload-
ed at each company lieadquarters. and the men ordered to "fall
hi" for clothing. As each man's name was called by the orderly
ln> stepped forward and took his complement of drawer*, socks,
shirts, trousers, jacket, grey hat and shoes, and then dived for
his quarters to "siMiek" off his old clothes and get himself in-
side of that furnished by Uncle Sam. Before the last man had
received his proportion of the "draw,'' those that had gotten
theirs began to reappear from their quarters in their soldier
clothes. Xo attention had been paid to the issue <>f clothing as
to size of the men, but had been given out with the same exact-
ness, as to amount, as coffee and beans had been issued thereto*
fore. It was amusing to see, perhaps, the little fellow away
down in the last set of fours, with the coat and trousers on that
should have been given to the fellow away up at the head, and
perhaps the next man was trying to wear the "sawed off" outfit
that was intended for the "tail end" man of the company.
It is needless to sav that the bovs had a good deal of
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
23
sport that day — tlie day they first got into their war toggery.
Bv dint of much swapping, sometimes attended with a little
'"boat," the fellows were at last pretty well fitted out and then
the strutting about commenced. Proud? Of course they were.
Heretofore they had felt like playing soldiers in their old citi-
zens clothes, but now they were in uniform and where was the
soldier that did not feel an inch or two toiler in his uniform,
and just a little hit more able, in his mind, that he could put
down the rebellion, than he did before.
Immediately following the delivery of clothing occurred
another event, that though somewhat disappointing in the main,
put the Fiftieth in shape for the business they had started out
ppon, of putting down treason.
There had been a few old army muskets in camp for
guard duty and the like, but the general equipment had been
delayed, owing, no doubt, to the great demand for arms every-
where ; the government, at the commencement of the war, being
rich and powerful as to men but sadly deficient in guns and
accoutrements.
But joy of joy, the word went through camp that the
guns have come. The Fiftieth boys will remember with what
eagerness they gathered around the boxes that contained their
equipments. How eager they were to have the covers removed
and get them out. And then! What disappointment? In-
stead of bright and shiny guns their eyes beheld o]d rusty U. S.
Harper's Ferry flint-lock muskets, changed to percussion, thin
at the muzzle, barrel loose on the stock and generally dilapida-
ted. Cartridge boxes, belts, haversacks, canteens and knapsacks
were old and dilapidated, having been used before, perhaps in
tie1 Mexican, or War of 1812. The incarnations were loud and
deep, that the government should think for a moment that the
Fiftieth Illinois, those proud sons of Adams county, would go
out to battle with such old, dilapidated, worn out traps as had
been furnished them.
Col. Bane explained, however, that he had made every
effort possible to get better equipments and had only failed be-
cause the government was wholly unable to supply better at
I
24
HISTORY OF THE
that time; that he had finally accepted the present equipment
with the understanding that the regiment should be supplied
with new ami better arms at
the earliest moment possible.
It may be well to note that
the Fiftieth carried those old
muskets until they got into
Forts Henry ami Donelson.
The boys accepted the
worn out aceouterments with
the best grace they could.
They good humoredly named
their muskets the "Bane
Rifles."
Being now equipped for
war the next thing was to do,
as nearly every soldier did do
at some time of his service,
have their pictures taken in
the full toggery of a soldier,
with knapsack strapped on
their backs, canteen and hav-
ersack at their sides, with gun
in hand, bayonet fixed.
We here present a picture
of "Our Charley*' taken at
Camp Wood, Oct. 1801. Age
1 8 yea rs ; weigh t 1 ( >9 1 bs.
Note the jacket, the grey
hat with one side fastened up
so as not to interfere with the
handling of the musket, look
at the baggy trousers and
that old mii.-k*-t— only a part of which we show here.
Officers varied tin* picture only by leaving out the can-
teen, haversack and. gun and substituting therefor a huge sash,
a la nttirer <»'. live daw and ?4ood with drawn sword, generally in
olK CHAHLKY
4
<?
.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
25
the attitude of "salute swords/' It is safe to say that there was
not u young soldier in the Fiftieth but sent one of these pic-
tures to his sweet-heart, and many, very many of them are
prized highly by mother, wife, or sister, as all the resemblance
they have left of their soldier in the Fiftieth Illinois Infantry.
The day following the issue of uniforms, the Payson com-
pany. (Co. C.,) was granted permission to go home and return
to camp the next day. Soon a message arrived ordering the
regiment to proceed to Hannibal, Mo., as soon as possible. A
messenger was sent after the absent company to hurry their
return. He reached Payson a short time after the company —
and consternation in the ranks was great. But the citizens got
"in their wagons and buggies and returned them to cam}).
A parade of the regiment through the city was pro-
posed, and on the following day was carried out. Of that event
the Quincy Whin and Republican of October 5th, said:
"The parade of the Adams county regiment came off yes-
terday. We but echo the general opinion when we say that a
liner appearing body of troops has not been seen in our streets
since the war began. Their uniforms are in excellent taste and
their marching \va- good. Having had their arms but a day
and a half, their drill in the manual of arms is, of course, in-
complete; but thai they will make good soldiers is truly evi-
dent."
■ •
4
Lv^-~ ufr''i i^y?"
\ii
(2)
CHAPTER III.
The Departure from Quincy.— Camp ''Bane," at Hannibal. — First Regimental
Orders issued. — Capture of Rebel Flag, &c,
HTMIERE is always a sadness surrounding a leave-taking. If
for a day or a year, it is in some degree the same, and so
when the final order came for trie regiment to march,
where? no one knew, or cared even, if it was to the front, our
hearts were all heavy at the farewell even though rejoicing in
the goiu'j; away.
Quincy! The heart of every Illinoisan. no matter where
he be. beats with higher impulse at mention of her name. En-
throned among the hills, sun-lrissed and beautiful, whose base
is swept by the mighty Mississippi, her people always generous
and true, the very mention of her name recalls afresh how
strong and loving she was to the Fiftieth in the earlv morning
hours of its existence. And yet it is not strange that gentle
hand and heart were ours, when once we stop to think of
those who lived and moulded by their lives and action a com-
munity, a civilization not to be excelled.
Of those the mind recalls John Wood, master spirit; 0.
II. Browning, eloquent and mighty in his place; Archibald
Williams, leader at the bar, 'whose strong and rugged face set
the impress of its seal on every heart ; Ben. Prentiss, there is
no Adams county boy from 1S-50 to 1800 who does not remem-
ber him, commander <^i tin- ''Quincy Blues,71 and so the list
might he continued into tire hundreds.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 27
Early on the morning of the 9th of October, 1861, after
breaking camp the regiment marched for the levee landing
where a steamer lay ready to transport it to Hannibal. Mo. As
it moved along down Fifth street to the inspiring strains of
"The Girl I left behind me," the people by thousands lined the
way and with shoutings and waving of handkerchiefs cheered
it on. When the old court house square was reached, it was
halted, brought to a front and addressed, in a speech brim full
<>f patriotic fire, by the eloquent and gallant General Ben.
Prenti>s. Under the inspiring touch of his voice the knap-
sacks, that were so heavy, grew light upon the shoulders, and in
cheer upon cheer the regiment gave evidence of its high approv-
al. The speech concluded then came the good-byes, the tearful
farewells, the kisses and prayers from loving to beloved, and
then obedient to command, the line of march was resumed for
the river and in a short time the regiment was safely landed
upon the Black Hawk. What a hurry and bustle there was ; each
company [was allotted its place on the boat, officers rushing
here and there, the hissing of the steam from the great boilers,
the loud commands, the patriotic singing, more hand-shakings.
and then at tap of bell the lines loosened and the steamer
slowly moving out into the stream and lo and behold the Fifti-
eth lias taken its initial step in the march of events that is to
happen, and in which it will bear so important a part. Many
looked upon the bluffs, then crowded with people, for the last
time. Theirs to do, and dare: and die, for unity and for the flag.
The Quincy Whig and Republican made mention of the
leaving as follows :
"DEPARTURE OF THE FIFTIETH.
The Adams county boys are off at last, after being under ,
orders since Thursday.
They were a little slow about it but it was undoubtedly
not the fault of the men.
It was reported yesterday that the regiment was to be di-
vided up among the other incomplete regiments, and the state
authorities through A. A. Gen. Loomis seemed to favor the plan
but General Fremont would not have it that way."
\*
L;S>
HISTORY OF THE
From the time of its organization soft bread had been
furnished, but now a change came and the men were introduced
into the mysteries of hard-tack, black coffee and fat bacon, and
these made up the first real war dinner which was taken on
board the steamer, 'the general verdict was favorable to the
fare. Of course the various satisfying and truly hunger des-
troying dishes out of which hard-tack, in after years, was capa-
ble of being made, were unknown to the men who so few short
days before had been following peaceful avocations, but all the
same the dinner was enjoyed with a gusto which spoke well both
for their patriotism as well as for their appetites.
II was three o'clock in the afternoon when the boat
touched the landing at Hannibal, Missouri, and within the
next hour the regiment was on the line of its march for camp.
The rout;' lay through the town, and there was a general
turnout of the people, who received the troops in comparative
silence. A mile and a half out from the river and on the north
side of Bear Creek the order was given to halt, the baggage was
brought up, the companies again marched, and again halted in
company formation, arms were stacked, and the work of pitch-
ing tents begun.
The officers line of tents were near the street on the
south side of the city., and facing -south- The company tents
were in rows running north and south with I5< ar Creek in the
rear.
Lieut. Col. Swarthout superintended the establishing of
the camp, and he gave Ids instructions in such a careful way
that the lesson became invaluable for use inthe coming years.
The camp was beautifully located and for comfort excel-
led any other occupied by the regiment during the years of its
service. A large parade ground stretched out from its front,
water was plenty, and. an abundance of timber near at hand.
The new home of the regiment was all that could be asked for,
and while the men were unused to such a lib1, yet their common
sense, assisted by the few who had >v^n something of army ser-
vice, soon brought order out of chaos. Col. Loomjs, with the
20th Illinois and some home guards, was in cummand, and
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
29
these with the Fiftieth, made up, for that day, a very respecta-
ble force.
The 10th and 11th were spent in the perfection of nuni-
itous details, and for the first time, on the evening of the 11th,
llu> regiment formed for dress parade — at which the following
regimental order was read :
Headquarters 50tli Regiment, )
Camp Bane, >
Hannibal, Mo., Oct. 11. 1SG1. \
i inn t'ftl Orders, I
No. 1. ■■) -
One man will be detailed from each company
as supernumerary, and marched to Headquarters with the
guard; but take their places in rear of the guard.
At retreat all singing, loud talking, shouting, drumming
.•::xi playing of fifes must cease. Immediately after retreat the
ctjt&atersign will be given, when challenging will commence*
After reveille challenging will cease.
By order
M. M. BAXE,
Colonel.
Every evening during the stay at Camp Bane, dress par-
ade was a grand attraction to the citizens, and thousands from
far and near would gather to witness a most interesting sight,
}>art and parcel of military life.
On Sunday morning following, came the first inspection
of arms and clothing, When the usual proceedings then so new,
afterwards so well understood and prepared for, were over, Adju-
tant T. Jeff.. Brown read orders to the lfne and then a chapter
from the Army Regulations, setting forth certain duties of the
soldier with penalties for non-performance. Jt is easy to recall
as he ri-ad: uThv piiinxhinent for desertion xhaJl be dctitfij or
1 •■■■■/' other 'pHiiixhi'iicnt <<■< a court ni'trt/o.l may inflict,'" what a
«'hill ran down the' spine of every mother's son as he stood in
fnie, U was to all appearance that liberty of action had been
■-urn'ndi'ivd to rules and articles foreign to the ways of peace.
Threats having been made for the destruction of the hos-
\Mk\ buildings, as well as other property used by tile troops.
4
30
HISTOKY OF THE
guards for the protection of the same, were put out and main-
tained. To further secure the property and bring some of the
more arrogant secessionists to a saving sense of their duty, a
detachment of the Fiftieth was sent out and captured as pris-
oners, four citizens, followed by a like capture of three more,
with six head of horses, two mules and a wagon loaded with
rifles and shot guns. In a raid upon a house a secesh apron and
a rebel flag were found and seized. The flag being regarded with
great interest was of course carefully guarded. The prisoners
after having been detained for sometime, were released upon
parole, but not until they had taken the oath of allegiance as
well also as given bond not to give further aid and comfort to
the enemy. This, prompt action checked, for some time, the
preparations which had been put in operation for bushwhack-
ing Union soldiers and terrifying loyal citizens. Many rebel
sympathizers were arrested: those who would take the oath of
allegiance were admonished and discharged as upon parole,
those who would, not were sent to Alton, Illinois. It will be
noted, later on. the effect produced by and through these
arrests.
But little attention had been paid to ditching the tents
and grounds, and bo the troops were but illy prepared for a
great storm of wind and rain which struck the camp shortly
after its location. The fall of water was of immense volume,
drenching the tents and bedding, and reducing the provisions
to the consistency of pulp, and generally demoralizing things.
Jim Jimison, of company I) was inordinately fond of sugar;
he would trade anything from a jack-knife to a hard-tack for
it; gazing at the complete destruction of his favorite supply,
which he had laid up with almost miserly care, he exclaimed,
half tearfully, half humorously, "How in the h— 1 can a man
fight without sweetenen,"' and this exclamation, like his sugar,
sticks to him to this day.
One evening while the regiment was on dress parade, a
committee of gentlemen representing the loyal citizens of Han-
nibal, presented Lieut. Col. Swarthout with a tine horse, prop-
erly caparisoned. Jl^' was indeed a noble looking animal. The
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
Ol
incident was humorously alluded to by the doners, in the
Hannibal papers, at the expense of their Quincy aeiglibors,
who Had allowed Col. Swarthout to march from his old homo
in Illinois, to the field on foot.
The speech of the Lieut. Colonel in accepting the splen-
did present, was very appropriate, and showed the patriotic
citizens who contributed to the gift, (as well as all others,) that
their efforts were highly appreciated. Halting for a word which
would more fully express his feelings, he suddenly turned to the
regiment with "what do vou say boys? I say bully." Instantly
the word was caught up and from hundreds of throats came the
reply ''bully," and it was hard to tell who were the most pleas-
ed, the donors, the Colonel, or the boys. In honor of the event
the Colonel christened his war steed "Hannibal." Bight well
too, did he bear his gallant rider into and through danger.
Right nobly did he wear his name, for at Shiloh. and later on.
at Corinth, he was wounded; at the latter battle severely.
And now the routine of camp life went on ; reveille, mor-
ning roll call, company drill with and without arms. battallion
drill, policing of cam]), the mysteries of wash-day, cooking,
tattoo and taps, all these swiftly changing the farmer boys,
the clerks in stores, the students, the blacksmith- and the arti-
sans, children of the Adams county hearts and homes, into
material fit. for the great struggle so near at hand.
The utmost precautions for the health of tie- troops were
taken, the camp was thoroughly policed and as completely as
possible, sanitary conditions established, in pursuance of which
the following order was issued :
Headquarters 50th Regiment, )
('amp Bane. '
'General Order*, ) ' Hannibal, Mo., Oct. 15th. 1S»31. \
No. 2. )
There will be daily, a sick call sounded from
the front of headquarters at 8 o'clock a. m., when all sick will
report themselves or go to the hospital, and none will be ex-
cused from duty who do not report themselves.
There will be no promiscuous firing hereafter. There
32
HISTORY OF THE
will be no cartridges allowed except to the guard, who will dis-
charge their pieces each morning. All soldiers will be held
personally responsible for the ammunition given them.
By order
M. M. BANE,
Colonel.
Suddenly the camp life at Hannibal was broken up, and
on the 18th of October orders came to strike tents and prepare
to march. It is needless to say that these orders were obeyed
with alacrity.
f?^
--"-, '■'-■/
. /- '■
v- ■"- :/
CHAPTER IV
Trip to CktHicoilifi, — Camp Premiss Established. — Detail made for a Scout- —
The Expedition to Jinztown, — Sergeant Stewart relates an Incident,
OX the 18th 'of October the regiment received marching or-
ders. It is needless to recall the joy which ran through
the camp as the news foretelling active service in the field
was promulgated. With alacrity the men, sprang to the order
to strike tents, and soon the regiment stood ready to march,
which it did. to the steamboat warehouse., where it remained for
the night.
During- the time of the occupation of Camp Bane, the
friends of the regiment, and those especially of companies C
and D, living in Aclnms. county in Illinois, across the river from
Hannibalywere Frequent visitors, bringing with them many del-
icacies unknown to a s ddier's life when in active service. All
this was now to cease. Serious work was ahead, and tired yet
happy- at the prospect, the old Fiftieth laid down in the old
warehouse to rest as well as possible. ^
When morning had come, and a breakfast of hard-tack,
bacon and codec had been finished, the march was taken up
for the cars, which were soon loaded. Not palace cars, not even
common smoking cars, but box cars, and cattle cars at that,
but never transportation so acceptable as that furnished on
that ever to be rememberea October morning. The regiment
was bound For the front, for the enemy's country, and there was
nothing save blessings for the fact.
34
HISTORY OF THE
There was not much time lost in waiting. Slowlv the
long train steamed away. And now the country began to open
up, and every now and then there came to sight bridges guard-
ed by Union soldiers, their camps near by. Such scenes were
deeply interesting, furnishing the first insight into what con-
stituted active service. Although not long in the field, the
soldiers composing the various detachments took upon them-
selves all the airs of veterans, and assumed a look of what was
intended for high disdain at the raw recruits passing by.
Some bridges had been destroyed and by reason thereof, *
trains wrecked and pillaged, hence the necessity for guards.
One camp was made up of the 3d Iowa Infantry, and one
of the 1st Kansas Infantry; the latter regiment took particular
pains to let it be known that fresh pork and chicken formed a
leading portion of their rations, a fact in the nature of an ob-
ject lesson never to be forgotten by the Fiftieth on after march
and in camp.
When Macon City, Missouri was reached the Fiftieth
found many friends in the 16th Illinois, then encamped there.
On the afternoon of the 10th the regiment arrived at
Chillicothe and went into camp on the prairie about one half
mile from, and southeast of, the depot, on the south side of the
railroad .
There was a large farm-house on the right of the camp
which our regimental surgeon, Major Kendall, at oner1 took pos-
session of for a hospital. When the regiment left Hannibal it
was generally believed that it would be attacked somewhere
along the way, and when the train drew up to the depot at
Chillicothe without sight of rebel or shot of gun along the whole
way, a general feeling of disappointment prevailed, for the men
had been truly spoiling for a tight, and were really troubled
over the thought that the war would be ended before they would
be given a chance to be in it to the death; but soon they got
over that feeling.
At Chillicothe was the 39th Ohio, commanded by Colonel
Groesbeck, and also a company or two of Missouri State Militia
under command of Capt. Humphrey,
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
85
The 2$tli was Sunday and was spent in laying out the
camp and getting ready for camp life. Living out on a prairie
in the latter part of October was not without its share of expos-
ure and privation. The wind blew strong and cold through and
around the tents, and the transformation from comfortable
homes to tent life was appreciably apparent. On the 22d de-
tachments were sent out through the country for straw, but re-
turned after a fruitless mission. To compensate for this fail-
ure the Quartermaster issued an extra blanket to each man and
comfort was to some extent attained.
Not satistied with the result of the first expedition after
bedding, Col. Bane sent out detachments with orders to seize
wagons and scour the country for this most necessary article.
viz. straw feathers. The result was all that heart could desire
and before night the camp was gladdened with the returning
raiders well supplied, and from thence on warmth and comfort
found habitation in every tent. 1 ^*S*v*lglft
It is pleasant now to recall how careful the officers, from
Colonel down, were of the health of the regiment. Soldiering
was new business and many of the details which go to make up
army life, were unknown and had to be learned by a relentless
experience, but day and night the officers, mindful of their high
charge, took advantage of every opportunity to enhance the
comfort and guard the health of their command. The seed
thus sown in these early days returned the years following,- an
abundant harvest.
The camp when completed was named "Prentiss," in
honor of General B. M. Prentiss, then in command of all the
troops in that part of Missouri.
]\i the midst of the duties incident to the life of a young
regiment, the even tenor of its way was upset by orders for a
detach. merit of at least one hundred men for scouting service;
the purpose being to break Up a camp of bush-whackers, said to
be near Jim town, (now called James Port,) distant from Chil-
licothe about twenty miles. Among the men the greatest ex-
citement prevailed. Here was an opportunity, so anxiously
~t».
HISTORY OF THE
looked forward to, for active work, so the otter to go was as
spontaneous as it was imperative.
Companies I), Lieut, Jienry Qusick with sixty men, and
F, Lieut. Chas. J. May, with fifty men, the whole under com-
mand of Lieut. May, were selected to represent the Fiftieth in
the expedition, and on the 25th, with three days rations and
forty rounds of amunition they marched out of camp with
drums heating and flags flying. During the day the command
was reinforced by thirty cavalry, belonging to a regiment of M.
S. M. *
Crossing Grand River by ferry, the town of Spring Hill,
eight miles from Chillicothe, was readied, and a halt for the
night made; the infantry being quartered in a country church.
As a result of the day, a rebel who had been in the battle of
Lexington, Mo., was captured. The next day the line of march
was resumed and dense woods and low undergrowth skirmished
through' without result, save the capture of two citizens, who
were acting under suspicious circumstances. One of these was
the owner of a fine farm and when night came on the weary
men became his guests, and whether with or without consent,
occupied his house and barns. When the Sunday morning sun
had risen preparations were about completed for a return to
Chillicothe, when news from the cavalry was received that about
forty rebels had been surprised and. after a running fight, three
had been, killed, several wounded, and t>ai prisoners taken.
This changed the course of the infantry and it at once marched
to the support of the cavalry. Matters began to assume an ex-
citing look when scouts, having captured somevci&zens, learned
that two hundred of the ene#iy were in the front about three
miles away, and a squad of forty or more flanking the left, and
worse and more of it, at least one hundred and fifty to the
rear a few miles, making four hundred as against one hundred
and forty: and with all this came the cheering information
that the enemy had sworn to kill every one of the invading
party.
In view of this information, which was deemed reliable,
a council of war was held at which it was decided .to send
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 37
to Edinburg for assistance, there being a detachment of M. S.
M. encamped there, with directions to march to Jim town, for
which place the command of Lieut. May marched.
Lieut. C'usick was charged with the important duty of
making his way to Edinburg. Disguising himself in a citizen's
dress he set out for relief, and upon arriving at Edinburg and
rinding the force there too small to be of much help, he contin-
ued his way to Chillicothe, where he learned that a relieving
for^e was already on the way, the news of the perilous situation
of the troops composing the detachment having preceded him.
At Spring Hill a squadron of cavalry in advance of the
-relieving forces was fired upon and seven out of eighteen woun-
ded. Availing themselves of the confusion incident to so vigor-
ous and deadly an assault, the bush-whackers made good their
escape. Without further halt or hindrance the expedition
pushed on and by night had reached Jimtown where the troops
under Lieut. May were found comfortably encamped.
The next dav Lieut. Col. Swarthout with one hundred
and fifty of the Fiftieth and two companies of the 39th Ohio.
reached Jimtown. And now the force being so strengthened as
to be devoid of danger, the whole country was skirmished, but*
without result. Ail the rations started with were gone and the
... i
commands were compelled to live oft the country. The bill of
tare, consisting of fresh pork, beef, chickens, honey, milk ..and
eorn bread, helped to sustain in splendid form and shape, the
stomachs of tie' invading force. Care was taken to protect the
property of Union men and women, but woe to the cattle, hogs.
ponltrv, etc., wlwleh were so unfortunate as to be owned bv a se-
eessionist, whether in or out of the armv of treason. Jimtown
at that time was a place of considerable size, possessed of two
tine hotels, the or six stores, and -the usual number of other
trades and callings belonging to a country town of its attain-
ments and population. With the occupation of the town by
the Union troops the citizens tied, and when Col. Swarthout
arrived he found but one man and three women who had re-
mained behind.
An eve witness expresses in a terse way, the scene pre-
38 HISTORY OF THE
sented as the relief under the Lieut. Col. came marching into
Jimtown. "It was." he says, "a fine sight indeed to see the de-
tachment coming to our aid across the prairie on that fine Oc-
tober morning, with the sun shining on the bright and- glisten-
ing arms."
There was no regiment in the great war that did not hold
men within it- ranks of every trade and vocation. So it was
with the Fiftieth, and as soon as the troops had reached Jim-
town and before relief had come, the blacksmiths, under com-
mand of Richard Deighton, afterwards regimental blacksmith,
and Matthew Nelson of company L>, showed their knowledge of
what was right and proper, by taking possession of all the shops
in town and shoeing the horses belonging to the command. The
country having been thoroughly gone over and without prospect
of further contact with the enemy, the troops marched back to
Chillicothe, where they were received as veterans tried and true
are always received, with demonstrations of joy. '"As we filed
into and marched down one of the main streets of the town,"
says one of the participants, "we could well understand the
Avords and feel the spirit of "See the conquering hero comes."
Were we not conquering heroes? for we had between fifteen and
twenty prisoners, had killed ten, captured thirty horses and
saddles, confiscated several teams to haul oar sore-footed, com-
j-cidt .-. marched in live days seventy-five miles, the last day com-
ing twenty miles without dinner. All this, later on, would have
been deemed but a slight affair, and so it was, but at that
time it was serious business, especially to the dear ones at
home." -*
As illustrative of many scenes and adventure which grew
out of this expedition, space is given but for one as detailed by
Sergeant T. S. Stewart. Co. F. Writing from Nevada, Mo., un-
der date of Dec. 21, 1S02. he asks and answers his own question :
"Who was Charley Pervick, or what become of the old
lady's gobler?"
"In the fall of "01. while our regiment was in camp at
Chillicothe, Mo., there was a detachment son I out to a place
called Jimtown for the purpose of breaking up a rebel camp
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 3§
that Was supposed to be some where in that neighborhood. The
expedition, I think, was under the command of Lieut. Charley
May, of Co. F, and consisted of details from several other Co.'s
as well as Co F, and after a hard march, and a thorough scouring
of the surrounding country, we were preparing to return
to cam]), minus any trophies of glory, except it might
be a few old decrepit firearms, 'when it was suggested that in
order that our trip should not be entirely fruitless, that we
scatter out amongst the farm-houses and have a good square
meal. It was against the rules you know, to forage, so we pre-
pared to let Uncle Sam pay the bill. Well the proposition car-
ried unanimously, and the command was divided into squads,
and directed where to go, how to behave and where to meet, and
we at once put our scheme into execution. Now it so happened
that at the house visited by one of the squads, there was a fine
lot of chickens, and one only, very stately turkey gobler, the
pride of the household, and the prospective Xmas dinner, and
in as much as the boys were somewhat surfeited on old cow and
sow b m, they concluded it would be quite a treut to have a
change in the shape of stewed chicken, (soldiers always wanted
their chicken stewed), and some even suggested, umind only
suggested" that roast turkey wouldn't go bad. So after a short
parley with the old lady of the house sfee consented to get the
bovs some dinner; but when the chicken heads began to rlv she
remonstrated very strongly, that they were not included in the
bill of fare, but after some persuasion, perhaps more forcible
than polite, consented that it should be so, provided that the
G abler was not to be molested ; so after the most profound as
surance that his lordship's head should be spared, and the as-
sertion of our brave and gallant commander, that the man who
dared to molest or make him, (the gobler), afraid should be
transfixed with his (un)-tried and trusty sword, peace was es-
tablished and the preparations for dinner proceeded. But it
seemed after counting noses and estimating the size of each
man's stomach that there was a shortage of the supply of head-
less chickens, and the boys went immediately to work to secure
more. "Soldiers you know always like to a'ork: (ie) chicken
HISTORY OF THE
roosts." "and so it happened that some one who either didn't
know a chicken from a turkey, or from the miscarriage of a well
directed shot at a chicken, or by some other occult means, the
pride of the household fell, mortally wounded, by the wayside.
Great was the lamentations of that household, and many were
the profuse regrets of the soldiers, and fruitless was the endeav-
ors of our gallant commander to find out who was the smiltv
party, until at last, in sheer despair, he exclaimed, i-I shall pro-
mote to eighth corporal any man who will divulge the name of
the dastardly villain, that I may punish him," when with one
- accord we ail cried out, "'twas Charley Pervick." Great was
the rejoicing of our worthy'commander at this information, and
after the most solemn promise that he should be terribly pun-
ished, and fed on hard-tack and sow-boosom for many, many
days, our generous hostess, (long may she rave.) consented to
include the Xmas turkey in our bill of fare; and thus did we
return triumphantly to our camp, crowned with glory, full of
turkey and all in line of promotion, all on account of our own
and only Charley Pervick. T. S. S.
During the events just noted, the regiment in camp pur-
sued an active routine, and rapidly progressed in the line of
duty. *
At dress parade on the evening of the 24th, orders were
read as follows
General Order*, )
No. J. \
Headquarters 50th Regiment, /
Chillicothe, Mo., Get. 24th, 1361. )
*••
^Captains will please hand in their morning
reports to the Adjutant as early as 8 o'clock, so they can be
consolidated as early as 9 o'clock a. m., for headquarters.
It is hereby strictly enjoined upon all to discontinue
their visits to the camp of the 30th Ohio, measles being at the
present time, prevalent in their camp.
By order
WM, SWABTHOUT,
Lieut, Col. Commanding.
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LIEUT. COL. tVILLIAM SWARTHOUT.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 41
From the foregoing; order it will readily be seen that care
was early taken to protect the regiment from the dread effects
of a malady which, in the early part of the war, struck down
many a gallant man. As the sequel will show, despite all pos-
- ^ible precaution, the camp was invaded by the measles. As
>. ><t!i as a soldier was afflicted he was taken to the hospital, and
under the tender care and watchfulness of Surgeons Kendall
and l.ane the ravages of the disease were stayed, with but slight
i<>.-^. George W. Staurfer of I), was stricken with it and, al-
though he passed safely through, his health was badly sliat-
tered.
Corporal Andrew Robertson of A, who enlisted from
Mendon, Adams countv, Illinois, and Levi Woodbury, also of
A. of Breckinridge, Mo., died at Chillicothe, the first November
•J<)ih. and the last December 5th. But with these exceptions
the health of the regiment was all that could be desired.
Chillicothe was possessed of a bakery and, in the interest
of the service, it was taken possession of and bakers detailed to
<c»-rate it. On the 8th of November work was commenced, and
from Sunday until Tuesday night 1323 loaves of bread were
turned out. The bakers and their assistants were paid (in
promises) 40 cents a day, or night; they never received a cent.
Nevertheless the bread was vert acceptable, being first-class in
ail particulars.
Of course there were editors and printers in the regiment,
-■• a paper was started, first known as "The Fiftieth, " but was .
soon changed to "The Camp Prentiss Register." It was an ex-
tremely loyal as well as an ably conducted paper, and served to
relieve the cam]) of much of the tedium incident to army life.
Many copies are still in existence, scattered over the length and
breadth of the land. During the stay at Chillicothe Major
George W. Randall and Capt. Edgar Pickett were, by general
orders, appointed aboard of administration; this order was
issued November 19th.
In the one short month which had transpired since leav-
ing Quincy, a wonderful change could be noted in the address,
discipline and morale of the regiment. On the 20th of Novem-
(3)
-
42 ■ HISTORY OF THE
ber, companies D, E and G, under command of Major Randall,
were ordered to Cameron Junction, on arrival at which point,
quarters were taken in the depot and several houses near by.
The enemy raiding the country thereabouts, had destroyed the
Platte river bridge, and laid the loyal inhabitants, wherever
found, under tribute. To drive them away, and protect the
lines of communication covered by the Hannibal & St. Joe Rail-
road, was the object and purpose of the expedition. The result
sought for was fully attained; the country was cleaned out of
the bands of marauders who, wholly regardless of principles
N which govern humanity in war or peace, had maintained a reign
of terror over the defenceless inhabitants; all of which having
been accomplished the detachment returned to Chillicothe.
While in camp at Chillicothe it was customary for the
officers to pass out at any part of the line, the officer saluting
the guard who, upon observing- him approach, would stand' at
attention and salute in return. The enlisted men were required
to go to post Xo. 1 to have their passses examined ; returning,
they could pass through any part of the line in the day time,
and by post one at night. Naturally there grew an abuse of
» this privilege, and officers and men were often out until a late
$ ■ hour at night, to correct which an order was issued that no one
should pass through the lines after seven o'clock in the evening
without the (XHintersign^ and then only by post one.
Now it had been observed by the boys that Major Ran-
dall was often out late, and they laid for him. One night pri-
vate James Seybold was on duty about 10 o'clock on post Xo. 3 ;
hearing some one approach he called out "Halt! who goes
there?" The answer came, "I'm the Major." "Don't care a
d — n who you are,'" came the reply, "mark time, march." "S©1~
dier, I'm the Major, let me pass." "Don't know anyone after
dark," returned Seybold, "mark time, march, or I'll put a hole
through you." Click, click, fell upon his ears with such per-
suasive effect that the Major began to mark time. Hearing the
call to halt, and the colloquy that followed, the boys quickly
gathered, thoroughly though very quietly enjoying the fun; the
Major very mad, but attending strictly to business. In the
,-■
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 43
p
mean time there rang out upon the night air, Seybold's voice
as in stentorian tones he called "Corporal of the guard, post
So. 3." Upon the arrival of that officer the Major was halted
and allowed to pass through the lines into camp. He never
afterwards failed to have the countersign.
One night Lewis F. Collins, Co. F, while on duty, heard
something creeping near his post. Alarmed at the threatened
danger he challenged, and receiving no reply, fired, and all was
still ; result, a fine fat hog.
On another night one of Co. A shot a mule that, grazing
near had failed to obey the ominous command '"Halt!"
Adjutant T. Jeff. Brown, one night discovered a light as
of a camp fire, away to the front of the camp. , Quickly arriv-
ing at the conclusion that it proceeded from the enemy, an
ularm was sounded and volunteers called for. Manv responded
and under the Adjutant's' command marched out to the point
<>f danger, onlv to find, after a complete reconnoisance, that the
cause of the alarm was the result of a burning brush heap.
While there was often much mirth at the cost of the parties to
these and like contretemps, yet it furnished positive evidence
of the zeal and watchfulness of both officers and men, and was
\ in the highest sense a training school for times when like zeal
and like watch fulness would serve a htgha-nd lofty purpose, and
upon which might clepend f\n: safety of an army as well as the
unity of a country.
On the 27th of .November the regiment was ordered from
Chillicothe to St. Joseph. Mo., there to report to Col. R. F.
Smith, 16th Illinois, commanding the post. This order was
promptly complied with, and on arrrival at St, Joe, the regi-
ment was brigaded with the 16th.
That regiment had been for sometime engaged in guard-
ing the Hannibal £ St. Joe R. R., at important points. As
tmany of its members were from the same portion of Illinois as
the Fiftieth, there was a natural affiliation between the two or-
ionizations: the more strongly cemented in the after years of
.{ struggle, privation and danger.
At St. -Joo. the regiment was quartered in houses that had
'
44 HISTORY OF THE
■r •
been vacated by rebels who, upon the approach of the Lnion
troops, had fled to the south. In place of furniture, boxes were
used for chairs, and bunks were built up in the rooms, and soon
everything was in comfortable shape. Details were made for
the bakeries and an abundance of soft bread supplied. It be-
gan to be clear to us that a soldier must be versed in all things
to a certain degree; that he must sew, cook, wash, keep house,
and in the more direct military line, become efficient, not
only in drill and. duties of a soldier, but as well an export
in the laying out and construction of fortifications. In this
latter duty all the troops at St. Joe were for weeks engaged
and strong works were raised on the heights above the city.
The fact that the. city was threatened daily with attack, nerved
the workers to renewed effort, so it. was not long until defences,
sufficient in strength to resist any probable assault, were com-
pleted and occupied.
It was at this point that the regiment was furnished with
transportation, in the shape of wagons and mules. Quarter-
master Win. Keal drew thirteen wagons, one for headquarters,
one for hospital, one for his own department, and one for each
company. He also drew six mules for each wagon ; seventy-
eight in all. These mules were fiery and untamed, and had no
knowledge of restraint from halter or bridle. They were loose
in a corrall, ami to get them out ii was necessary that a large
detail of men should be made, to assist the Quartermaster.
Well, it was a picnic certain and sure, and not unaccom-
panied by danger, for as the mules were cornered their heels
beat a lightning tattoo upon the earth and air and sky, but all
the sam*1 they were roped, harnessed and hitched up, albeit the
biting, bawling and kicking went on. Ami then with single
line in hand, the driver mounted the near wheel mule and,
locking tie- hind wheels of the' wagon, which was rilled with a
load of shouting, roysterous boys, cracked his black-snake and
let 'em go. Down the street they went, snorting, rearing, their
heels fanning the air; and so kept on and on until, after a few
hours they came back into camp subdued, ami ready for busi-
ness. One of the teams followed the fortunes of the regiment
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 45
from Sr. Joe to Washington, in 1805. It was handled and
driven by Win. McCormack, of company E, familiarly known
a- k:Blue Buck," Three span of beautiful sorrels, they were the
pride of the brigade as well as of the regiment-
As the service lengthened out, the allowance of transpor-
•: >!! for each regiment was reduced from time to time, until
I -,;! one wagon and six mules was allowed to a regiment; but
**J»!ue Buck's" sorrels remained, although many efforts were
made to have them turned in for use at higher headquarters.
While on the subject of mules, it may be interesting to
insert a reply from Richard Deightoti, company D, acting regi-
;,r-i! tal blacksmith, in answer to a question as to what is the
duty of a regimental farrier:
C. F.ELubebt, Fowler, 111.:
Dear Siu:
I will try and answer your kind letter; your "request"
to give the '"duty of a Farrier." The duties of a regimental
farrier are many and perplexing in time of war.
In the first place he must be a "mechanic;" it requires
-kill of a particular kind to shoe a mule, especially such as we
received at St. Joseph, Mo., in 1861. Sixty head were run into a
corrall and turned over to the Quart'-rmaster. I don't think
any one o( them had ever seen a rope until started to the shop
to be shod.
Verbal order No. 1 from the Q. M. to farrier: "These
rrniles must he shod and branded U. S. before we can work
them."
He sends ten soldiers, not with gun?, but with ropes 50 or
*V\ b->>t long, pulling and tugging at an. innocent mule, trying to
iM hi in to the shop, and 75 small boys in the rear. Then comes
Q. M. Keal in the "wake"1 to see the fun; he standing one block
away calling out in a loud voice, saying, "please be as expedi-
tious ns possible. Thus came all the mules and were shod.
Did the farrier do his duty? Ask him to-day and he will
t< 11 you that he feels the eit'ects of "l>T-£OBe5' davs in his bones.
I.
46 ■ HISTORY OF THE
Please ask' Col. Hanna what he said to the mule he bran-
ded near Mooresville, Ala.
The responsibility attached to the duty of a farrier is no
small matter, taking everything in consideration, as I said be-
fore, in war times.
First, he must see that all the horses and mules are pro-
perly shod and fit for dutv. Second, that all wagons and am-
bulances are in good repair, the ones under his jurisdiction, and
in fit condition for transportation. He should always accom-
pany the teams when on a journey and attend to all breakage.
I have given it to you as I understand the U. S. Army
Regulations.
Respectfully yours,
' RICHARD DEIGHTOX.
On the 9th day of December the following orders were
issued :
Headquarters Command, )
St. Joseph, Mo., Dec. 9th, 1861. \
General Orders, )
Xo. 21. )
Captain Grained^ 50th Illinois,
Captain Murphy, Mo. Cavalry:
You will proceed with afi of Captain
Murphy's company and a detaL-huvni o? Major Joseph's, in U\e
direction of Union Mills, returning within three davs. Arrest
all those against whom there is satisfactory proof of disloyalty,
seize all arms found in posses-ion of disloyal men, and make
full reports of charges, witnesses and attending circumstances
in the case of every one arrested. They will also return all
property taken, of whatever description, to the Post Quarter-
master with a full statement of the circumstances under which
taken.
By order
R. F. SMITH,
Col. Com'd'g Post.
At once preparations wore begun and rapidly completed,
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 47
and the command of Capt. Gaines was on the march. The pur-
pose of the expedition was to capture or break up a party of 40
men under Major Burnham, who were to meet at his house at
ilny break of the 10th? and from thence join the rebel army.
Marching all night the command, about 5 o'clock a. m.5 reached
a lame house and halted while a small detachment of the cav-
alrv rode up to it, whereupon two men ran out of the rear and
took safety in the brush near by, two shots being tired after
thr-m. The firing alarmed the men, who were in wagons which
had been seized along the way, and they quickly responded to
vthe order to fall in. The Captain of the cavalry detachment,
a German rode up and down shouting "fall in coompany C,
fall in my dutch coompany." Some of the wagons had stopped
in mud holes and the men in their sudden fright jumped in
up to their knees, causing one of them to shout out, "what next.
Captain? those who have'nt fell in have jumped in."
At day break the command Had reached within close
proximity to the rebel rendezvous; the road here run south on
the east side of Burnham's farm, then west about SO rods to the
house. The infantry deployed on the north side and in skir-
mish line, well supported by a reserve, marched across a corn-
ileld, the corn having been cut up and shocked. In the mean-
time the cavalry dashed down the road. In a moment there
was an alarm at the house and men could be seen running to
the field, to the right of the infantry, and hiding in the
corn shocks. While a number mounted horses and fled in the
opposite direction. Swiftly advancing across the field the in-
fantry captured Major Burnham and eleven of his men. A
daughter of the Major, handsome, tail and strong, for a woman,
met the force as it filed into the yard. She held in her hand a
raw-hide riding-whip. Coolly surveying the soldiers as they
crowded around her, she suddenly pounced upon John Mc-
Glaughlin of company D., as inoffensive a man as could be
found, and struck him a number of times with her whip; the
men formed a circle and shouted, "give it to. him, give it
to him." John took the castigation as a joke even if it did
hurt. When the irate female had expended her wrath she ran
48 HISTORY OF THE
crying into the house. The return to camp was without inci-
dent. The Captain made dun report of the expedition, and
matters resumed the oven tenor of camp life.
On the 16th of December the following orders were is-
sued :
Headquarters 50th Illinois Regiment. }
St. Joseph, Mo., Dec. 10, 1861, )
Captains JIa.nna and JTcGilticuddy:
You will provide your companies with
five (5) days rations and be ready to proceed to Savannah, ear-
ly to-morruw morning, and when you are located, report to
these headquarters. Yon will protect Union men in that vicin-
ity, arrest all those against whom there is satisfactory proof of
disloyalty; seize all arms found in the hands of disloyal men,
and make full reports of charges, witnesses and attending cir-
cumstances in the- case of every one arrested. You will also re-
turn all property of whatsoever description, that may be taken,
to the Post Quartermaster with a full statement of the circum--
stances under which it was taken.
By -order
WM. SWAETHOUT,
Lieut. Col. Com'd'g 50th 111. Reg't.
Pursuant to these orders the two companies, under com-
mand of Captain Manna, marched to Savannah, arriving at
which point he at once placed the town under martial law, for-
bidding nil persons to leave, and seizing all horses belonging to
sympathizers with the rebellion, giving vouchers showing cause
of seizure to* those claiming ownership. A report of his opera-
tions was transmitted to and approved by his commanding of-
ficer at St. Jot-., who warned him to keep his men close in hand.
Mounting his men on the captured horses Capt. II a una made a
rapid reconnoisance of the surrounding country, and as a result
the region thereabout was cleaned out of rebels, who, on the ap-
proach of Capt. Hanna's command, lit out for further secessia.
One prisoner was taken. At first he was thought to be a spy,
but this proving to be an error lie was mounted on a bareback
mule and brought into camp, where, after the examination, he
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 49
\\
i
was released on a parole in the tisual form, with the addition
that he solemnly swore, so help him God, that he would, unto
the end of his life, not only take, but read, the New York Tri-
bune.
Thus rolled away the closing days of 1861, While the
health of the regiment was, as a rule, up to a high standard, yet
a number were stricken down, and some had to be discharged
and sent home. The sick left at Ghillicothe, and who had be-
come convalescent, reported for duty. The drilling, policing,
guard and picket duties were constant and severe. The weather
was both cold and stormy, and the men suffered greatly, espe-
cially with rheumatism. Robert Colwell of company D. was
curried to the hospital on a door, there being no stretchers.
One of the sufferers, writing home about this time, said: "We
are now learning something of what our predecessors had to
undergo in establishing this government for us to defend, Our
pickets are stationed, necessarily, in all kinds of weather. The
weather is very cold, and the elements pitiless. Every fourth
day the call for picket or patrol comes. Our patrol or police
guard have charge of all public buildings and property, and
scpiads are inarching through the streets at all hours of the
night, with orders to arrest all who are without passes. But
no matter the privation or danger, we of the Fiftieth are in to
htay.;'
The fortifications having been completed, were occupied
by the 16th Illinois. The strictest of military law prevailed. .
All out after 10 o'clock at night without pass or countersign,
ere subject to arrest. All watchfulness incident to the occu-
pation of an enemy's country, was exercised, and both drill and
discipline went hand in hand for the perfection of the troops
■
there stationed.
In obedience to orders, General Jeff. C. Davis arrived and
S quietly took command. The same night the theater was crowd-
ed with soldiers when General Davis entered. One of the 10th
(Illinois perceiving him, called out "three cheers for Jeff. Davis/7
Instantly he was struck and knocked down by one of the Fifti-
eth, but when explanations followed, the irate Fiftieth apolo-
E
0 HISTORY OF THE
gized, and the two became fast friends. The incident was the
talk of the following day.
It possibly is, but then it may not be, fully known how
the Fiftieth came to be called '-The Blind Half Hundred,"
Edwin M. Taylor of company B, a corporal in H, and
two or three more were minus an eye, and there were sev-
eral squint and cross-eyed comrades. All of these were as act-
' ive and brave as any in the regiment, but the fact of so many
being so affected, together with the other fact of the number of
the regiment, gave it a title by which if will ever be known.
x There was an additional reason, the 16th Illinois enlisted under
the ten regiment call and had been mustered in the 24th of
May, 1861. Naturally its members, officers and privates, assum-
ed the air of veterans, and many were the stories they told of
'"moving accidents by field and flood," which had characterized
their mouth.* of service. They related with characteristic detail
how they had made a pathway through .Missouri, marked with
blood, of chickens and hogs, and with conscious grace dubbed
themselves the "bloody ICth.5' Co. E of the 16th and H of the
Fiftieth were recruited from the same part of Illinois, and
many of the men of the two organizations were intimate. In
fact the two Regiments excepting Co. I of the Fiftieth, had mem-
bers from the saine- localities. Strange as ii may appear, clis-
s^ntions gro\\ up out of this very faci of near relation ship, ami
many tights were engaged in With about equal results. One
night a corporal of Co. II of the Fiftieth, having charge of a
patrol, arrested a party of belated 16ths and a row sprung up
during which a brick was thrown, resulting in the injury of the
eye of one of the Fiftieth, from this in addition to the facts
above detailed, came the appellation of "The Blind Half
Hundred."
One evening the camp of the Fiftieth was thrown into
the most rapturous excitement, caused by the return of Capt.
Wm. M. Gooding of Co. C, and with him his bride, a most
lovely and accomplished young woman. Her appearance in
camp was like a benediction from home, and as she moved
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INPANTSY. 51
about the camp the light of her countenance brought sunshine
to the boys.
On the 18th a battallion of the Fiftieth was ordered to
report to General Prentis at Palmyra, and borne by the Han-
nibal & St. Joe R. P., quickly reached the point of destination.
The weather was intensely cold and every means and artifice
\vns resorted to in order to make anything like comfort possible.
Box cars are bad. enough in summer, but in December, past
description. Arrived at Palmyra, the battallion was quartered
in a large brick warehouse on the left side of the street going
down to the town from the depot. During the trip some stoves
Imd been captured during the frequent stops made on the road.
These became useful in quarters, holes for the pipes being
punched through the walls, and all worked well when the wind
favored.
On December 23d, the impending danger having passed, the
battallion was ordered, back to St. Joe. The stoves so oppor-
tunely appropriated, were taken along and made use of to the
great comfort of the command. The train encountered a terrible
fall of snow, and was often blocked in the cuts, the men bein^
compelled to assist in clearinc; the track; the result was intense
suffering, many having their feet badly frosted and some frozen.
But finally the home cam]) was reached and the joy felt can
only be appreciated by those whose lives have been furnished
with like experiences. On the 23d of December, John A. Cotle,
company D, died, stricken by measles. His was the first death
in the regiment, all tire others having been in hospital, so this
marks the first funeral in which the regiment tool; part. In a
letter under date of the 25th, the ceremonies attending his
burial are thus recounted:
''This soldier had been down with measles, grown better,
th"n suffered a relapse from exposure, and on the 23d had fallen
asleep. On the 24th we marched to his funeral. His company
led the column, marching with arms reversed, the body imme-
diately preceding it. At the grave the coflin was lowered, the
Chaplain made a few remarks, then eight of his mess with load-
HISTORY OF THE
ed muskets, discharged their pieces directly into his grave, then
the benediction followed by a return to quarters."
Christmas came and was passed with all the jollity inci-
dent to the time and consistent with military rules and regula-
tions. The loved ones at home had not forgot Inn their beloved
and day bv dav prior to the holy dav, package after package
had been received, not to be opened until Santa Claus had
come and gone. It. was a sore test to the appetite, especially
when possessed by hungry men, to be compelled to wait until
the morning light should usher in the glad day, but faithful to
their trust the men did wait. And then such an opening, such
a spread of good things, never before so gladdened the eye nor
filled the heart with, joy, and hungry stomachs with satisfac-
tion. And there were lots of tilings beside eatables; socks,
drawers, little nick nacs of every kind, formed and fashioned
into being by loving fingers, for the dear boys who, through
much suffering and dangerj were standing a living wall between
homes and peace, and war's wide desolation, a tower of strength
for country and for flag. God bless the women of that day,
their hearts were right, their loyalty without flaw, their purpose
as strong and lasting as are the foundations of the Eternal
Hills.
^ ■•'..
i
:
CHAPTER V.
Camp Life at St. Joe.— The Bakery. —Thanks for Barrel of Molasses. — Capt.
Hanna's Dinner 'to his Company.— Ordered to the Smith, via. Hannibal
and Quincy. — The Halt at Quincy. — Loyal Reception.— Off for Cairo. —
I
Arrival There, — Ordered to Smithland. — Grand Movement to Fort Henry
— lis Investment and Capture. — Scenes and Incidents.
^*y
HE early days in January, 1862, were passed in the usual
routine of duty. Company and regimental drill were of
regular performance, and guard and picket service were
as regular as the rise and fall of tides. There were plenty of
provisions but the hard-tack was none of the best, and to rem-
ecly this tiour was issued, and George Lesta of company C, was
detailed as chief baker. In the performance of his dutv he took
possession of one of the lamest bakeries in tlie citv. and calling
i is J 7 c
around him an efficient corps of assistants, he produced a< if by
magic, an abundant supply of good bread,
Tlie Orderly Sergeant of each companv acted as commis-
sary of his command, receiving in' brills: for the company, the
provisions the requisition allowed. In turn he distributed to
the company messes, each composed of from ten to fifteen.
Each mess kit was made up of three camp kettles of different
sizes, so they eoifld be packed one in the other, three large mess
pans, made out of sheet iron, tin plates, knives and forks, and
spoons, large and small, a box was made for sugar with a sub-
division for coffee, and a sack for beans was ready at hand, and
tin cups always the friend of the soldier, were issued in suiih
54 HISTORY OF THE
cient number. The supply of cooking utensils was not of the
best, but sufficient for present necessity and demand, and under
the fast accumulating knowledge of camping and camp life,
furnished .all that was required for comfort and health. The
pleasures as well as the privations of a soldier life were tasted
if not. well understood, and many a gallant fellow here learned
the lesson which afterwards came with its reward. The citizens
were not very loyal, but always respectful, and while their doors
were closed and their windows darkened, yet they knew enough
to treat with becoming respect, the men who poorly sheltered
and largely deprived of many of the common necessaries of life
were yet. in patriotism and refinement, eminently their supe-
riors.
Occasionally the monotony of camp life would be dis-
turbed, if not broken, by an expedition for forage or a rapid
march after bush-whackers.
During these camping days the tedium and indeed the
longing fur home, was daily relieved bv the letters from the
loved ones at home. What member of the Fiftieth can ever
forget the thrill of joy that permeated his very being at sight
of a letter bearing his address, how quickly he had it in his pos-
session, and with eagerness he opened and read its every line.
Cheering words, loving words, from hearts sore pressed, with
anxiety, yet how bravely written, and with what loyalty to
country and flag. Not letters alone were received, but things
substantial, as witness the following:
CARD OR THANKS IX THE QUTXCY HERALD. '
St. Joserh, Jan. 1st, 1S02.
Editor of the Herald : — Sir: The members of compa-
ny B, Capt. Smith, of the Fiftieth Reg't Ills. Vol's, through
your columns, return their sincere thanks to the citizens of
Clayton and vicinity, for that barrel of molasses that was re-
ceived at the St. Joe depot a few evenings since. May they live
long and die happy, are the wishes of the members of Co. B.
On New Year's day Co. E was invited to partake of a
sumptuous dinner at the Sanders House, provided by Captain
^j^a j*. *.* -«5W»"
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
55
Manna and bis Lieutenants. The thought of a spread, for the
company was a happy one and was, of course, highly appreciated
by liit* men.
When the holy Sabbath day came round permission to
a t tend church was freely given to all who wished to attend in
tin city, and by many tli'1 privilege was availed of.
On Sunday the 12th of January, a number of officers of
rank fr<»m the east were in camp in an official capacity, and the
regiment was ordered out for inspection at half past eight, and
\it was eleven o'clock before the parade was dismissed. The
wrather was very cold and many of the men were frost bitten.
Tiii- experience was a rough one, but it gave a foretaste of what
was in store in the future.
On the loth, died, X. J. Gulp of Liberty, Adams county,
rmd a member of Co. I). The company passed resolutions of
respect, and it was agreed that crepe, for seven days, should be
worn on the left arm. The Quincy Whig and Republican of the
23d contained an account of his death together with resolutions
from the New Liberty Lodge, I. 0. G. T.
By letters as well as rumors, the regiment was kept daily
in a state of agitation in expectation of more active work. The
rebels had seized the Mississippi from Cairo down to the mouth
and were heavily fortifying Columbus, Kv.. twenty miles, and
Island Xo. 10, fifty miles below Cairo. All this pointed to
early and active work further south. On the 21st all doubt was
settled, for the regiment was ordered to board the cars and
than night arrived at Hannibal.
The next day the line of march was taken up for Quincy,
twenty- two miles distant. The march was one of the hard-
est ever made by the regiment. The roads were horrible for
foot travel, for a fresh snow of about four inches had fallen and
the weather suddenly turning warm, it began to melt early in
the day, and by the middle of the afternoon inarching was in
slush and mud. All the little rivulets crossing the road, were
filled to overflowing, and it was not until nine o'clock at night
that the regiment, vveary and. hungry, arrived at Quinev and
50 HISTORY OF THE
found quarters in the Court House and City Hall, the latter on
corner of 6th and Main.
Many friends flocked to the City, to see their boys, and
a number went home to spend the night, but the uncertainty
as to destination which surrounded all movements held the
regiment ready on the instant for marching orders.
As was expected the halt at Quincy was snort. One
day and two nights. Writing of these times and of the return
to Quincy. a member of the regiment says: ''The reader should
recall the fact that at first we were to be known as the Adams
county regiment. Then after mustering we were known as the
Illinois 50th, and as such left Quincy, as already recorded. Af-
ter taking the field in Missouri, in 1861, we assumed the proper
name, viz: 50th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. We
return to Quincy as soldiers having seen service, and with the
name, 'The Blind Half Hundred," bestowed upon us in deri-
sion, it is true, forever come to stay, and always to be proud of."
The Quincy Herald of January 23d said :
"We herald this morning the return of the Fiftieth, or
Adams county regiment.
Tuesday^morning they received orders at St. Joe. and
yesterday evening they reported here. We expect them to leave
to-day. This is certainly fast work in this respect, at least we
question much if the movement of troops during the war can
find a better example of celerity of movement."
As this history proceeds it will be shown that the regi-
ment made a number of rapid movements, notably from Smith-
land to Ft. Henry and Donelson, Clarksville, Town Creek, Ala-
toona and in the Carolinas.
As will be noted frequently hereafter, while the men were
in the field lighting, the women of the north were not idle, but
with willing hands labored unremittingly to assuage, as far as
possible, the privations and horrors of war. The Fiftieth was
not forgotten, as will be seen by the following letter from its
gallant Colonel :
fiftieth Illinois infantry. 57
A CARD OF THANKS-.
Quincy House, Jan. 23, 1862.
7V the "Sisters of the Good Samaritan:''
Your kind note, with the package of mittens for the
troops, was received to-day. I take this, my only spare mo-
merit of time, to tender you the thanks of the entire command
for this, one of the most useful presents the soldiers Could have
received.
The many evidences of regard and sympathy which the
^Fiftieth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers has received at the
hands of the ladies of this city, and the surrounding: country,
cannot fail to inspire us with a deep and patriotic love of home
and the dear ones we leave behind. These substantial tokens
of kindness on the part of friends at home will be truly encour-
aging to the soldiers in the darkest hours of duty, — and trial.
How happy the thought, could we feel that all among us
were as anxious for the welfare and success of the Union .Army,
and as loyal and patriotic in their feelings, as the ladies of the
'"Good Samaritans/'
In the name of the Regiment I bid you a kind and affec-
donate farewell, hoping that all the firesides made vacant by
our departure, may finally be gladdened by our safe return to
home and friends.
- M. M. BASE,
Col. 50th Reg't 111. Vols.
After a stop of one day and two nights at Quincy, the
regiment again bade farewell to home and friends and took the
Quincy and Toledo train for Cairo, Illinois, via. Decatur, then
the rendezvous for troops from the west. As the cattle cars
were provided with boards for seats the trip was very comfort-
able.
A member of the regiment thus writes: "We passed
<>n through the villages of Fowler, Paloma, Camp Point and
Clayton in Adams county, and at all these stations were greeted
with cheers and waving of hats. The boys of companv B learn-
en that orders had been issued that the train should not be
(4)
58 ) HISTORY OF THE
stopped at Clayton, their old home. As the train neared the
station it was discovered that company B boys were at the
breaks and proceeded to set them and stopped the train, but
not until the station had been passed, but the order was given
and the train bached up. The spirit of loyalty ran high
although all Hearts were heavy with sorrow at the dire necessity
of parting. In Brown county the news of our coming had
not preceded us, and we did not receive the salutations as
through Adams county, but all along the route we were wel-
comed and bidden God Speed.
"At Decatur the train was switched on to the Illinois
Central, and now we were off for the south. It was strange to
us boys, to go to sleep in the cars where snow was on the ground
and wake up in a country where none could be seen. We arriv-
at Cairo on Saturday night and left for Kentucky on Sunday
morning. Of course we, that is the men, knew nothing as to
our destination.''
At Cairo we found everything crowded with troops on
every side. Cavalry, artillery and infantry, all in seeming con-
fusion, as though preparing to leave. We arrived in the fore-
noon and were at once marched to a boat at the levee. After
our teams and camp equipage had been loaded, the regiment
comfortably located, the steamer turned her prow up the Ohio,
and we learned we were to report to Col. Lauman, a-t Smithland,
Ky.; reaching there on the morning of the 28th of January.
Here we found the 52d Illinois encamped. This regiment had
been with us at St. Joe from December 8th, and had only pre-
ceded us a few days. While ©a our boat at Cairo a steamer,
just arriving from up the Ohio, tied up alongside. Among her
passengers was Parson Brownlow, who had but ceoently escaped
from the south. lie made an address to the troops on our boat
that was listened to with great attention.
We arrived at Smithland, a small village at the mouth
of the Cumberland, and went into camp on the hills back of
the town and on the east side of the cemetery. The 52d Ills.
to our right, and near by were two small forts occupied by
Iowa troops, who had seen service at Belmont.
.,,... sjSM^SieaBw-^n^--
.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
The ground was extremely muddy and the boys stripped
nil branches and twigs and collected White Oak leaves for beds
i bristoning them Kentucky feathers.
The weather was changeable, the first days very warm,
then suddenly cold; the inventive genius of the boys began to
work, and soon could be seen chimneys projecting from the
-!•;<•- of the tents, built of mud and stick.-, while the interior
was warmed bv furnaces constructed out of flat stones foraged
from the cemetery near by. The plan of the furnace was siin-
l»li* enough. A trench was dug from the middle of the tent to
the chimney and over it was laid the marble slabs. As long as
it lasted the furnace was a success, but the stone soon crumbled
front the heat and had to be frequently replaced. Details were
made from the Fiftieth for provost dutv in the citv, also fatigue
duty. On one occasion company I) was .sent as a guard up the
river on a steamer for a barge of wood for camp. On this trip
one ot the company fell into the river and came near drowning.
There was a good deal of sickness but nothing fatal, and
the general health of the camp was fair.
Wednesday, February 5th, we were ordered to break
camp. This order had been expected for some days, yet when
received occasioned considerable excitement, and was obeyed
with alacrity. We : were soon on board the Belle of Memphis,
under command of General W. H. L.Wallace. We recall him
^landing on. the .hurricane deck of one of the steamers yelling
lustilv to the officers of the 52d Ills, why they could not qret to
l Ii*-*ir boat as quickly as the Fiftieth had. although it had cov-
• red a greater distance from camp than the -5_d.
■
We were soon off down the Ohio river, touching at
Padueah, 12 miles below, at the mouth of the Tennessee.
Here we learned that Fort Henry was our destination.
T ...
H was a pretty sight to see the procession ot steamers movmsr
grandly from the Ohio into the Tennessee, bank full, and per-
mitting several boats to move side bv side. There was nothing
t«- dispel the beauty and harmony of the sight until all at once
tii" low booming of cannon was heard far to the front, pro-
* -aiming a battle* We were "within sound of the guns/' and
60 HISTORY OF THE
then our rollicking spirits for fun was changed to that of a
sober realization of the duties before us. We were about to en-
gage in the stern. realities of war.
As we drew 11 ear to where the gun boats were engaged
with the fort we could see the smoke from the great guns as
they belched forth, and often we could follow the shell by its
thin blue streak from its fuse, then the explosion filling the
whole country with its mighty" voice.
The troops were landed on the east, near the mouth of a
creek about five miles below the fort. General Grant's boat,
the "New Uncle Sam," tied up to our boat.
On the next day, the 6th, we moved up the creek as sup-
port to a battery. The road was soon impassable, the artillery
down to the axles. Our regiment was obliged to assist in pull-
ing both horses and guns out of the mud.
By night we had succeeded in investing the rear part of
the works but the enemy had gone, they having ascertained
General Grant's intention of surrounding and capturing them,
had taken time by the forelock and made good their escape to
Donelsoii, twelve miles away.
We camped that night on the outworks about two miles
from the fort. ^Before leaving Smithland, we had been ordered
to prepare to move m light marching oruVr, and had packed our
overcoats and extra clothing in boxes expecting them to follow
us. Many of us had no blankets, all our baggage being with
the wagons, the night was cold but the boys were tired, and as
they lay in rows upon the ground they forgot all suffering in
sleep. Large fires were built at the foot of trees, suddenly and
without warning, there fell a large tree burned through, killing
one of another regiment in bivouac near by, then the fire spread
in the leaves with which the ground was thickly strewn. Not-
withstanding the danger the tired soldiers slept, and the next
morning the ground was black and bare save where the men
had slept. A number of the Fiftieth used their cartridge boxes
for pillows and when, the next morning, they viewed the deso-
lation round and about them, and saw the shriveled remains of
»*■ '■"
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
61
their boxes, it seemed marvelous that the amunition had not
exploded.
On the 7th the regiment marched into the Fort. The
mud and water had ruined our boots and shoes, so we were on
the lookout for anything in the foot-wear line that would prove
better than what we had.
L. \Y\ McClelland of company I), was so unfortunate as
to have his shoes burned while trying to dry them the previous
night. Me. was afflicted with squint or cross-eyes; the boys
would say the safest place would be directly in his front. Well
Me. was passing along a slough filled with back water when he
saw protruding from the edge of the water, the foot of a boot
nearly new. As he took hold and pulled it seemed to come
rather hard, but this he attributed to its being filled with mud.
All at once it yielded when, lo, and behold, it held a human
foot and part of a leg, shot off in the battle. Ale. dropped boot
and all and. running to camp hid under his blanket; at least
that is as his comrads tell it.
Company B had discovered among the captured arms, a
lot of new muskets. The officers succeeded in transferring their
old for the new muskets, which were called Austrian rifles and
were of a. different calibre. The deal was a poor one for the
anus were worthless. Not near as good as the old ones discard-
»nl by the company. In exchanging the amunition the men
svere ordered to empty the old into a cask furnished by the
Quartermaster for that purpose. One of the men, smoking a
pipe, dropped a spark which ignited one of the cartridges, ex-
ploding all of them, and wounding several of the company, of
which Isaac Prey was so severely wounded that he died Februa-
ry ISth. at Paducah, Ky.
Writing to the Hannibal, Mo., Messenger, Capt. T. I). Mc-
Uillieuddy thus tersely describes the investment and capture of
Port Henry*
Fort Henry, Tenn.. Feb. 8th.
Dear Messenger: — "We have met the enemy and they
are ours." Fort Henry has fallen and great was the fall
thereof* Yes, Fort Henry is in tie: hands of the Federal armv,
02 HISTORY OF THE
and the American flag floats triumphantly from the mast-
head of t ho flag stall' of the fort that but a few hours before
had the secession rag Heating to the breeze. Your humble ser-
vant had the exquisite pleasure of seeing- the rebel rag go down,
and the flag of our country go up.
Now having given you the facts in the case. I will try to
give you the particulars in brief: On Tuesday morning, Febru-
ary 4th, our regiment and the 7th Indiana and 13th Missouri,
were ordered to Fort Henry. We arrived at a landing three !
\ miles below the fort, at 6 o'clock the same day. Here we found
several thousand troops. Our division was under command of
Brig. Gen. Wallace, and the other in command of Gen. Grant.
Gen. Wallace's division took up the line of march on the west
side of the Tennessee river, and Gen. Grant's on the east. We
joined Gen. Grant's division, and were in line of march the next
morning at 10 o'clock. We had two regiments of cavalrv and
two batteries of artillery. The two divisions started about the
same time to attack the fort. In connection with these two di-
visions were three of the invincible gunboats, which did the ex-
ecution.
The storming of the fort commenced at 11.45 a. m., and
continued one hour and ten minutes. When the}- took down
their secession flag: our gunboats ceased fifing, and the rebel
General Tilgnman sent his Adjutant to the Commodore. The
purport of his errand was a surrender. In the meantime their
infantry and light artillery were trying to effect their escape,
which was cut off bv our division. We then marched into the
fort, and I assure you that those that did escape made a hasty
retreat, for they left everything, even their dead. The walls of
the entrenchments must be twelve miles around, and the main
fort must occupy twelve acres, surrounded on three sides bv
water. In this space were their big guns, consisting of fifteen
32 pounders, one li)v< pounder, and one rifled cannon, a 82 poun-
der.. The guns are in perfect order, with the exception of the
rifle cannon, which exploded during the engagement, killing
four men. Three magazine.- full of powder were also found in
the fort: also stacks of ball and shell. The value of the hall
.v -y*iA*.i*««*»«***
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
63
shell and powder, is estimated at from six to eight thousand
dollars'.
In the fortifications in the rear of the fort the space was
occupied bv infantry. We found about 200 log buildings and
500 splendid tents, just as good as the best I -know of, and a
«rr*»at deal better than the Illinois 50th have. Their commissa-
ry was well supplied with sugar, coffee, rice and meats, ail of
which fell into our hands. The cavalry captured nine field
pieces and horses in their attempt to escape. We captured
about 2~)0 prisoners, and killed, as far as we have been able
to learn, 50 or 00. It was an awful sight to one like myself,
who never saw the like before, to see dead strewed all over the
ground — men without heads and arms, one-half of a man in
one place and the other half in another; eyes, tongues, hearts
and brains scattered promiscuously on the ground. We took
Brigadier General Tilghmaii, two Colonels, one Major and four
Captains prisoners. The prisoners were all sent to Cairo, or
some other point. Our loss in this, engagement was eight men
"it the gunboats and one cavalry. This is true as far as I can
learn. 1 must close; but I suppose by the time you get this
sve shall be in Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland river.
Yours truly.
T. D. McGILLICCDDY,
% Co. K. 50th 111.' Infantry.
■: «SKfe
9,
Jy-*:
<i <
CHAPTER VI.
Ft Henry after its Capture. — Gen. Tilghman. — The Advance on Donelson.— Its
Investment, — Operations of 3d Brigade, Smith's Division. — Privation of,
and Heroic Endurance of the Troops. — How the Companies off Duty
Kept Warm. — Col. Bane rises from a Sick Bed. — The Assault on the
Works and their Capture. — The Surrender of Fort Donelson.—*4 Worse
than the Infernal Regions." — Incidents. — Capt. McGillicuddy's Letter. —
Report of Col. Cook.
F
CRT HENRY taken and occupied. The flag of treason
down and the flag of Union up and flying, was indeed an
inspiriting sight. The rebel General Lloyd Tilghman,
who had surrendered Fort Henry, was one of the high toned
blue blooded rebels who had, or effected to have, a supreme
contempt for the Northern Mudsills, and at Padueah, where he
was at one time in command, he boasted Lhat "with two guns
and fifty men he would come down to Cairo and take General
Prentiss." After his capture, a newspaper .reporter stepped up
to the General, who was on board General Grant's boat, the
New Uncle Sam, and the following colloquy ensued:
"General, will you be kind enough to give me the correct
spelling of your name?"
Gen. T., very "haughtily. "Sir, I do not desire that my
name should be made use of at ail, in connection with this
affair, except as it may appear in the reports of General Grant."
Reporter. "I only desire, sir, to have it spelled correctly
in the list of prisoners.'7
*- .^rf*******^
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 65
Gen. T. You will oblige me. sir, bv not making any
mention of me in your correspondence/' i
At which he turned upon his heel and left the news gath-
erer alone in his glorv.
On the 12th of February the army which invested and
captured Fort Henry, began its advance upon Fort Donelson.
A portion took boats and proceeded by water, but the greater
portion of the army moved by land to the investment of the
fort, distant twelve miles from Henry. By the capture of
\ Henry, General Grant's forces were in the rear of Donelson, and *
when formed, our line extended from near the town of Dover,
nbeve. to a creek just below the fort.
The Fiftieth -was assigned to the brigade commanded by
Colonel John Cook of the 7th Illinois Infantry, and in General
0. F. Smith's division. This division was on the extreme left,
and our brigade the centre, the Fiftieth on the right. And in
this formation the brigade went into camp for the nigbt.
The next morning we moved up into line: the day was
warm and pleasant. Our place in the line was in a ravine run-
ning parallel to the enemy's works, and distant from them
about (300 yards. While there was heavy skirmishing all along
the lines, we were not disturbed, and becoming satisfied that
they were to remain for the night in the same position, the men
Blacked arms and gathered huge masses of leaves, with which
the ground was covered, for bedding, but alas, '"the best laid
schemes of mice and men gang aft aglee," for just as the task of
preparation for the night had been completed, our regiment was
ordered to move, and out on the wintry air there rang: "Atten-
lion, Fiftieth. " "Take arms." ''Right face." "Forward march, "
and we moved up the ravine the length of a regiment, giving
place to another regiment, which not only occupied our old
place but our beds as well.
We had to make the best of it, and as orders were issued
forbidding the lighting of fires, and commanding the utmost
silence it may be readily understood that our lot was not a
pleasant one. Notwithstanding orders, the men gathered in
knots and recited the incidents and casualties of the day.
60 HISTORY OF THE
' i
I Many had experienced close calls, for the skirmishing sounded
like a battle, and indeed was a battle. A number of our officers
while escaping, had yet experienced the sensations which sur-
round "a close call/' Col. Swarthout had a hole in his coat,
and Adjutant Brown, Capt. Gaines, Lieut. Kodgers, Chaplain
Bigger and several others had their clothes pierced with leaden
missiles sent them with the compliments 01 the "Johnnies." A
Sergeant of the Sharpshooters fell near our line shot by a red
shirted Texan,
After dark the weather changed and a drizzling rain, soon
changing into snow, added to our discomfort, began falling. By
eleven o'clock it was at freezing point and had become intensely
cold.
The companies not on duty moved to the rear and kept
moving around until nearly daylight, when dawn and rebel
bullets bade them take to cover. Just at dawn the regiment
had permission to fall to the rear for the purpose of making
coffee, but just as our fires were started and the coffee about to
be made, we were ordered back into line, and there all day re-
mained under fire from the enemy's guns. At times the monot-
ony was broken by permission given to seme of the men to go
out to the skirmish line and take part in the engagement there
going on. The enemy's sharpshooters were vigilant and dan-
gerous t<> cur peace and safety, a.- many a poor fellow could
testii'v. Outside the enemy's works and from behind a lar^re
stump a bit of red "Could be seen now and then, and the sight
was always followed bv a puff of smoke and a whiz by our
heads, evidently made by a very large bail.
All day h»n<r Co. 1> remained on the skirmish line and
proudly and defiantly maintained 'their position. Thus passed
the day, and when night came we were ordered to the rear where
we had tires and cooked and eat our supper. Although our fare
was scant and plain, yet it is no doubt true, that never was a
meal so well enjoyed. When it was finished we made ourselves
as comfortable as possible.
The morning of the 15th found us again to the front,
where we spent the forenoon the same as the day before! but
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 67
S
old red shirt, as the man behind the stump was called, exposed
himself a little beyond the danger lino and as a result was cut
.*;(' in the midst of his sins, to tile intense gratification of his
enemies.
During the afternoon a general movement was made
against the enemy's works.
The Fiftieth was sent to the support of Col. Lauman's
brigade on the left.
When the order came Col.; Bane, who was sick, was lying
down by the fire. Springing to his feet he shouted, "Attention
battalion." "Take arms/' "Two ranks, left face." "Forward,
double quick, march."
The line of the charge being a left oblique, we were mixed
up with another regiment engaged in making the same general
movement, during which three of our companies, A. F and D,
were cut off from the regiment.
Col. Bane soon found himself unable to proceed, and as
Col. Swarthout was sick, the command of the regiment devolved
upon Captain Gaines, with Captain Hanna acting as Major, and
ho4it once assumed command of the detached companies.
Our general direction, or line of advance, led us over two
steep ridges and across two deep ravines, the timber had been
cut low and the limbs trimmed so us to impede our progress.
The enemy covered this portion of the field with a six gun bat-
tery which swept tie1 ground, in many places with terrible ef-
fect. As we mo\ 'e13 across this ground under a fearful tire, we
passed over many bodies of the 25th Indiana, who had fallen
. in the engagement of tie' first day. Their bodies had lain in
the' sun until swollen and distorted, they were almost past re-
cognition, added to tli is they were' frozen solid.
In the confusion caused by the other regiment crossing
our lint' of movement and entangling us. the three detached
companies had partially lost their bearings, but Lieut. Hazel-
wood, commanding corn-patty D, observing Adjutant Brown in
the distance, headed for him and joined in the advance. As we
swept over the ridges we could plainly see the artillerists load-
ing their guns, pulling their lanyards and feel the rush of the
68 HISTORY OF THE
grape-shot as they flew over our heads, crashing through tree
tops knocking off limbs, or what was worse, striking down brave
men as they went rushing to the front, some never to rise again.
We reached the works to the left just as General Lau-
man's brigade had taken them. Here we found our division
commander, General C. F. Smith, who was turning a captured
battery upon the enemy.
As we lay under the shelter of the works the bullets from
the enemy would strike our bayonets like so much hail. After
reforming it was deemed. too late to make a forward movement
and our brigade was moved back to the timber for rest, and
building great fires we passed a more comfortable night, and
Sunday morning found us ready for the great work before us.
It was understoad that our brigade was to take the sec-
ond line of works. Heavy skirmish firing had been in progress
all the morning, and when our brigade was formed in line of
battle for the assault and we moved slowly up the hill in our
front, determination was set in every face. Near the top of the
hill we were halted, a shell burst high above us and a piece of
it struck Gideon Hadley, Co. C, fracturing his skull.
All were .ready, the halt being deemed only for the get-
ting ready for the final spring. There was no talking; every
man grasped his gun with a firmer hold; all waiting for the
command to go forward, when suddenly a great commotion was
noticed in our front, and looking we saw white flags all along
the enemy's works, and then tumultuous cheering came run-
ning down our lilies, and was caught up by us, and was kept up
until the very heavens seemed to ring with joy.
What a change there was; the pent up strength prepara-
tory for the assault, where death was to reign triumphant gave
way to feelings that may be imagined but never described.
Swiftly the command came to move forward, but not to the
death, and as we wont over the works with shout and cheer, no
gun was fired. It was a grand holiday. Once inside the works
we found the rebels had constricted comfortable log houses, all
of which were taken possession of and. housekeeping set up.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 60
Details were made and placed around enclosures, inside of
which were thousands of prisoners.
We were especially fortunate in being allowed to ex-
change our arms for excellent guns made- at Richmond, Va.,
after the Springfield pattern, the most of them had not been
unpacked.
Among the prisoners was an old man, too old to be in
the service. Lieut. Rodgers asked him how lie came to be in
there, and he replied "for self protection, not from choice."
« A shod how it looked the night of the bombardment, he replied
u.Jf the infernal regions had been turned loose it could not have
been worse."
Some of us .went over that part of the field where the
enemy tried, and so nearly succeeded, in cutting their way
through, and there we found a Union soldier standing guard
over his dead brother, a rebel,
Here is given an account of how Fort Donelson fell, from
the gifted pen of Captain McGillicnddy, written from the battle
field to the Hannibal. Mo., Messenger.
Four Donelson, Feb. 18, '6:2.
Dear Messenger: — Another victory has crowned our ef-
forts, and the flag of our country floats from the flag staff in
Fort Donelson. According to the promise I made you in my
last letter, I now Write to you from this once rebel fort.
On Yr-'-dm^fjay, Feb. 1% our brigade, (which consists of
the Illinois 7 th. Missouri 18th, two batteries of artillery, the
Illinois 50th, Iosra 12th and 14th, and the Illinois 5^d), took up
their line of march from Fort Henry, on the Tennessee river,
for Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland river, a distance of 12
miles. They camped all night within two miles of the fort.
On Thursday morning we were ordered to the position
assigned us in double epiick time, which was done in a masterly
manner under a heavy tire from the enemy.
Our position was the center of the second division, Col.
Cook commanding the brigade, Gen. Smith of Paducah, com-
manding the division. The first division (of which I know but
very little), was commanded by Gen. McGlernand,
70 HISTORY OF THE
The lines of our army extended from north to south on
the river, completely surrounding the fort, including the small
town of Dover. We held our position from Thursday at 9 A. m.
until Saturday at 12 m., through all kinds of weather, rain,
snow and frost without fire, living on hard crackers and raw
meat. During all this time the rebels had made several inef-
fectual attempts to break our lines.
On Saturday at 12 m., we discovered in the movements of
the enemy that they intended to force a break on the left wins
of our division. Our skirmishers were called in and a general
charge of the left wing was ordered. The Iowa 2d lead the
charge, supported by the Iowa 7th and 14th, the Indiana 25th
and 52d, and the Illinois 50th and 7th. We advanced in double
quick time under heavy fire of shot, shell, eannister and grape.
We did not discharge a gun until we came to the breast works;
then our boys let loose, and the manner in which secession
"stock fell'' would surprise all creation.
After the first volley, we scaled the breast works, carry-
ing with us the stars and stripes. After getting inside, they
contested everv inch of ground. We gained on them till they
were forced over another cross entrenchment.
During- the contest our two batteries were brought inside
the entrenchments, to our support. We then silenced the bat-
teries that were playing upon its. Then both sides paused. 1
looked around, saw the flag 1 loved so well, and was fighting tor
waving over the enemy's ramparts; heard the band playing
''Hail Columbia," and, believe me, I never, in my life, appreci-
ated fully that piece of music till that particular occasion. I
reflected on the trial of the past four days, and that we had
been giving then* "Hail Columbia" all that time, and now we
were giving it to them again in sweet -strains of music.
Saturday night our brigade and another, slept on their
arms, inside the fortifications, and made all due preparations
for to-morrow. Next morning we sounded them again and at
10 a. M,, much to our surprise, they struck their colors and
made an unconditional surrender. The rejoicing among our
troops can better be imagined than described.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 71
We then marched into the main fort with every flag flv-
ing and band playing. The first rebel brigade we passed was
thai. JUickner's, which has been such a pest in Kentucky.
We found, on entering the fort that some had made their
• •-cape by crossing the river. The traitor to both sides, Floyd
leaving his men in the lurch. They swear eternal vengeance On
him when they get out. of the box they are now in.
Gen Pillow also escaped With a portion of his command.
Buekner, Johnson and Baldwin, and 10,000 other rebels were
taken prisoners.- We also captured 84 cannon, among which is
one rifled cannon ; one 124 pounder; one 10 inch Columbian
riful one 128 pounder, together with about 35.000 stand of small
arms.
The amount of property captured here in the shape of
commissary stores, ammunition, tents, wagons, stock, &c.., it is
impossible for me to make an estimate of. We and the public
will have to wait for the official reports of our respective com-
manders. The same will apply to the loss on our side, The
killed and wounded on our side, I think will not full short of
2,000 men.
We had a. large force here ; not less than 00,000 men, but
not more than half were encased. It took me the most of two
days to ride on horse back over the battle-field, the most of
-i;|eh was in the wood.-, and from my observations, I should
judge that the rebel loss must have been two to our one.
A battle-field is an awful sight: I know I could have
passed over ae-ro> of bind by stepping from one dead man to
another. The rebels have been busy burying their dead ever
since the battle, and still vou can see more of them laying in
the woods. Our boys, killed, are all under the sod.
The gun boats did their duty in this engagement, but
are not entitled to the credit of taking the fort. Birge\s sharp
E shooters also did excellent work and are deserving of a post
of honor.
Yesterday 2.000 rebels arrived here to reinforce their
forts, when naturally enough, Uncle Sam's boys took them
r
72 HISTORY OF THE
prisoners. A pretty good joke on these men for not being
posted.
I close by saying you shall hear from me again at Xash-
ville, Tenn.
Yours truly,
T. I). HcGILLiCUDBY,
Co. K, 50th 111. Infantry.
The story of the battles, as well as capture of Fts. Henry
and Donelson, is thus graphically told in his official report, by
the gallant- Col. John Cook, 7th Illinois commanding brigade:
Headquarters 3d Brigade, 2d Division,
Clarksville, Texx., March Gth, 1862.
General: In pursuance of orders from division head-
quarters I have the honor to submit the following report:
Monday, the 3d day of February, the Seventh Infantry
Illinois Volunteers;, under my command, embarked at Fort
Holt, Ky., on board the steamer City of Memphis, under orders
to join an expedition against Fort Henry, Tenn. Landing at
Paducah, I reported to you, from whom orders were received
assigning to the Third Brigade the following regiments, viz :
Seventh Illinois, Seventh Iowa, Twelfth Iowa. Thirteenth Mis-
souri, and Fiftieth Illinois Volunteers, with Captain Richard-
son's battery (20-pounder rifle guns) of First Missouri Light
Artillery. In company with other troops, the command arriv-
ed at Camp Halleck by river, -1. miles below Fort Henry, on the
afternoon of the 4th instant, when it was disembarked, under
orders from I^igadier General Grant, commanding the District
of Cairo, to proceed by land, without transportation, under
temporary command of General McCeTnand. The 5th instant
remained at Camp Halleck. On. the morning of the 0th left
Camp HalleckJ)y land for Fort Henry. A severe rain storm
the night previous to our departure, together with tiie swollen
state of the streams from continued rains and the absence of
transportation, rendered the march extremely diilicult, the
troops 'Buttering intensely from fording the numerous creeks,
often wading so deep as to* submerge their cartridge-boxes. But,
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 78
inspired by the frequent reports of artillery from the gunboats.
the meft pressed on cheerfully. Impeded by the almost impass-
able roads and the necessity of assisting Captain Richardson's
I attery out of the innumerable mud-holes, the command pro-
ved slowly. About 2 p. m. received orders from General
Grant to advance the infantry without regard to the artillery.
Having gone a short distance, the guide led us off the road
about a mile, which had to be countermarched. Surmounting
every obstacle, the infantry reached the outworks of Ft. Henry
*■ soon after retreat, where they encamped on the damp ground
i;-. 1: wearied, many without a single blanket, all transporta-
tion bavins been left in the morning, and some of the regiments
leaving even their knapsacks. Captain Richardson's battery
war left midway between Camp Halleck and Fort Henry, being
unable to proceed on account of impracticability of the roads.
The 7th instant quartered the infantry in Fort Henry, partly in
tents and partly in barracks formerly occupied by the rebels.
The 8th instant four companies of infantry were sent by
transports to Camp Halleck, with orders to bring up our bag-
gage left there, and also Captain Richardson's battery, which
they accomplished, returning the following day. On the 8th
the 18th Missouri Volunteers, Col. C. J. Wright, which had been
aligned to the Third Brigade, arrived from Smithland, The
lOiis instant, having with much trouble and labor made bridges
over che sluugh formed by backwater from the Tennessee river,
tue vmmand camped one mile from the river, immediately in-
side the outer fortifications, where we remained until the morn-
ing .f the 12th. *
On the 11th instant the 7th Iowa Volunteers was trans-
ferred from the brigade and the 52nd Indiana added, Major Cav-
t»nuer*s entire battalion of 1st Missouri Light Artillery having
ran in the meantime temporarily assigned to the brigade.
Leaving Fort Henry at 8 o'clock a. m. the 12th instant, the
■' 'r.ruand arrived within a mile and a half of Fort Donelson at
o o olx-k p. m., the road being excellent and all transportation
being left at Fort Henry. Distance marched, 12 miles. The
' -.:.-*:} assigned to the brigade under my command was well
15)
:
74 HISTORY Or THE
chosen, being a high ridge of nearly one mile in length, and al-
most overlooking the enemy's works on his right. In fine spir-
its, with full assurance of success, the troops passed the night,
prepared for an attack should a sally be made from the fort.
The 13th, the men?s haversacks being well filled, a hearty break-
fast was eaten' at an early hour, and under orders, at 8 a. m. I
moved the command up the Dover road to a point within one-
half mile of the enemy's outer works; deployed in line the 7th
Illinois on the right and 52d Indiana on the left as skirmishers.
The command moved steadily forward through the dense tim-
ber, crossing the deep ravine withoutresistance until the 7th 111.,
Lieut. Colonel Babcock commanding, found itself within short
range of a battery till then undiscovered, which immediately
upon appearance of our colors opened a destructive fire, killing
instantly Capt. X. E. Mendell, company 1, and wounding several
others. Owing to the density of the timber our artillery was
not yet in position. The regiment retired beyond range and to
the support of Capt. Richardson's battery, just going into posi-
tion. With the remaining four regiments I proceeded to tho
summit of a ridge overlooking the fort, a distance of nearly 600
vards intervening, the immensitv of the abatis covering the
. . .
whole, precluding the possibility of proceeding farther but by
an unwarranted loss of life, the enemy in force being secure,
concealed in his rifle pits and behind his palisades, from which
continuous tiring was kept up during the remaining portion of
the day, answered by sharpshooters and skirmishers from our
side, each sustaining slight loss. This position gained, it was
held during tli* night, the men resting on their arms, without
fires and without blankets, everything but arms and ammuni-
tion having been cast aside on approaching the fort.
On the 14th, after a long and weary night of watching,
* * * the troops tinder my command arose at an early hour,
shook the thick covering of snow from their overcoats, partook
of a meager breakfast, and cheerfully resumed their old posi-
tion under the intrenchments. Though suffering from the
snow and rain of the previous night, they returned during the
whole of the day the enemy's fire, doing him no little damage.
* * # *
I
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 75
Saturday, the 15th, after another night of snow and se-
vere cold, the troops suffering intensely, but without murmurs,
four regiments of my command returned to their original posi-
tion, * * they having been permitted to fall back by com-
panies out. of range of the enemy's guns to cook their breakfast
and thaw their frozen clothes. At 9 a. m„ in pursuance of or-
ders from division headquarters, the 13th Missouri Volunteers
was sent to the right to support a battery, * * and the 52d
Indiana, Colonel Smith, was ordered to the extreme left to repel
""fcny sally the enemy might make from that quarter, a gap in
his breastworks having been left for egress, leaving only the
12th. Iowa and the Fiftieth Illinois, with a battalion of Birge's
sharpshooters, to engage the enemy along a line of half a mile
in extent. At 2 p. m. orders came from General Smith to in-
crease the number of skirmishers from mv command and more
completely engage the enemy's attention, while he in person,
with Colonel Lauman's brigade and the 52d Indiana, stormed
the entrance previously mentioned.
The fortifications having been gained by Gen. Smith and
the enemy's infantry driven back, I sent to Gen'l Grant, asking
permission to move my brigade up to the support of Col. Lau-
man, and, if possible, take the enemy's batteries, which were
pouring in upon him u murderous fire of grape, canister and
shell. While awaiting the return of the messenger information
was received that the Stars and Stripes were flying over the
main battery of the enomy,-w-hen orders were immediately given
to cease firing, which having been complied with and the com-
panies thrown out as skirmishers ordered to rejoin their com-
mands, I ascertained the Stars and Stripes were raised by the
rebels that we might be drawn within their reach. The mes-
senger having returned, I abandoned the position, and with all
the speed possible^ proceeded over the abatis, under a heavy fire
©f grape and ganister. The distance being short, the discharges
caused but little damage, overshooting us just enough to tear
into shreds the colors of the 7th Illinois, which regiment had
been ordered by Gen. Grant to rejoin me. * * By direction
oi Gon. Smith we were instructed to hold the position obtained'
TO HISTORY OF THE
during the night and immediately prepare for a combined as-
sault the following morning, with the simple command from
Gen. Smith, "Take it, sir!" During the night the men rested
on their arms, and for the first time built fires, which enabled
them to rest more comfortably.
Aroused at an early hour Sunday, the 16th, we partook
of a scanty breakfast. Called to your headquarters, I was di-
rected to order two regiments to the relief of Col. Lauman, two
additional regiments to their support a little retired, holding
one regiment in reserve. The 7th regiment having expended
more ammunition the day previous than any of the others, *
* was selected as the reserve. About the time of the arrival
of the ammunition, whilst the men were filling their boxes, the
woods were made to ring with loud and enthusiastic cheers from
the troops under command of Col. Lauman and myself, an-
nouncing the unconditional surrender of Fort Donelson. * *
La accordance with your order to allude to and particu-
larize those deserving of commendation, it affords me much
pleasure to mention the following officers, viz : Col. Bane and
Adjutant Brown of the Fiftieth Ills. ; Col. Smith and staff, of
the 52d Indiana; Col. Woods and Maj. Brodtbeck, 12th Iowa,
and Lieut. Col. Babeoek and Maj. Rowett, Capt. Monroe, Co. B,
Capt. Ward, Co. A; Capt. Lawyer. Co. C, and Lieut. Johnson,
commanding Co, I, (Capt. Mendell having been killed in the
first engagement), of the 7th Illinois, and the following gentle-
men of the medical staff, viz: Dr. B. L. Mot-calf, surgeon, and
James1 Hamilton, ass't surgeon, ;7th Illinois; Dr. Finiey, ass't
surgeon liHh Iowa; Dr. Brown, ass't surgeon 18th Missouri, who
were constantly' upon the field, regardless of danger and fatigue.
Too high praise and commendation cannot bo bestowed upon
the medical3^ taff of my command.
Truth and justice require me to say that the entire com-
mand behaved in a manner deserving of approbation, cheerfully
enduring the fatigue and exposure attendant iip^n the most in-
clement weather known in this locality.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient
servant, JOHN COOK,
Colonel. Commcuidirifi Third Brigade, Second Division.
Brig. Gen. C. F. Smith,
Coirtd'ri Second Div.j Bist. West Tenn.. U. S. Army.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
W)7
M
In closing the account of this battle we must necessarily
mnit many items of interest that are remembered by the par-
ticipants therein. All of the Fiftieth and many of Birge's
sharpshooters have occasion to remember Old Red Shirt, whose
death is refered to on page 67, and whoso taking oil' we will, in
a manner, describe: His situation was behind a large stump
in our front, and just outside the rebel works. Pie was a re-
markably good shot, and demonstrated his ability in that line
immediately on our appearance on the front the 18th, Com-
pany B was sent out on the skirmish line and soon discovered
him. Skirmish fighting was a new thing to us then, and very
many of us would beg permission of th&-©fncers to go to the
front, if only for a few moments, as we all wanted to get a view
of Fort Donelson and the rebels, thus we got a glimpse of Red
Shirt. Every now and then a bit of red would protrude from
behind the stump and a shot would go for it from some one of
our skirmishers, who thus exposing himself would get a shot
fired at him from the other side of the stump. Quite a number
of the boys got oil' with narrow escapes, among them Col. Swar-
thout, Chaplain Bigger, Captains Gaines, Hanna and many
others. All anxious to get a shot at him.
On the 14th the line was re-io forced by a battalion of
Birge's sharpshooters, armed with long range rifles, some with
telescope sights. This was quite a help to us, as they kept the
enemy more secure behind their works. Dr. W. I). Turner of
Co. K, writes thus :
"Yes I remember Red Shirt. I was a volunteer sharp-
shooter that manning, Feb. 14th. We secreted ourselves in the
T->p of a fallen white oak. The sharpshooters cautioned me of
Old Red's unerring aim. and had hardly done so when Old Red
discovered us and fired, the ball passing' between our heads. We
both fired without effect. He quickly replied, shooting a man
through the shoulder at our right. Become more daring until
the fatal bullet found its mark, and he sprang up and fell out-
side. Quite a heavy fire followed his fall, and by the protect-
ing tire of the sharpshooters his gun was secured, and was a
surprise to us; it was a very short rifle known as the "Missis-
78
HISTORY OF THE
sippi Yager;" it shot with terriffic force and the bullets made a
peculiar sound.''
Fred. Mensendike of Co. F, thus relates his experience:
"I was on the skirmish line behind an old log, somewhat decay-
ed; making an indenture in the log to rest my gun, I looked
and saw Red Shirt aim and fire, and a soldier to my right fell
dead, creating in me a feeling better imagined than described.
I was determined to shoot Old Red, if I could, and in a short
time he appeared, and I, with many others, fired, saw him throw
up his arms and fall back. His fall was followed by a volly of
bullets from the breastworks that filled the old log behind
which I lay."
"Lieut. J. C. Rodgers of company I), of Ft. Scott, Kas.,"
writes Adjutant Brown, "went to the top of the ridge and think-
ing it not healthy there, returned, as did also Capt. Gaines; he
borrowed a rifle from a sharpshooter to get a shot or two. I
was sitting with my back against a small white oak, when a ball
came over the ridge and cut a limb very close to my face. Soon
after a sergeant of the sharpshooters was borne to the rear with
a great hole under his left cheek bone, perhaps from the gun of
Old Red Shirt. This gun was captured and I had the pleasure
of examining it while in the possession of Lieut. Ed. P. Barrett
of company G.
1 1 w
CHAPTER VII.
After Donelson — The Departure for Clarksville on Steamer Iatan — Her Captain
Receives a Schooling in Loyalty — Expedition to Xashville and Return —
Successful Foraging — Capture of Cannon and Commissary Stores — Resig-
nation of Adjutant Brown— Oil the way to Shiloh — At Crump's Landing
— Fruit from Home — Night before the Battle.
T HAS rarely come to the lot of an army fresh in the field
from ways of peace, and therefore wholly unused to the
ways of war, to be participants and victors in as mighty
and consequential a struggle as that which culminated at Fort
DoneJsoFi. The captors and captives were of the same' race and
blood. Indeed kith and kin opposed each other. Many of the
raiments upon either side had but lately entered the service
and it may well be said that the impress of kiss from Mother,
or hand-shake from Father still lingered with the loved one
and slow to rWave as though loth to part. It will therefore he
readily understood how strange and exciting were the scenes,
incidents and surroundings of Donelson. If all the letters sent
to northern homes in the few days the victorious army of Gen-
Grant lay at Donelson could be brought together, what a mag-
nificent story would the thousands of pages unfold.
The four days spent by the Fiftieth .at Donelson were
husy and interesting. Every phase of humanity was evidenced.
'1 he relic hunter, the poet, the historian were all on hand, "each
•
80 HISTORY OF T#E
to his part assigned," but the hour rapidly approached when
now matters were to mark the details of army life, and when
orders came to move all were prepared.
It was a beautiful, an awe inspiring sight, to see the reg-
iments, batteries and cavalry squadrons, each "taking place in
the swiftly forming ranks of war" readv for duty, no matter
how arduous or dangerous, and quietly moving to the steamers
whose impatient waiting was heralded by noises more forcible
than elegant.
The stern wheeler Iatan was assigned to the Fiftieth and
from Boiler Deck to Texas, all her ways were crowded. The
commissary supplies were not extensive in character or kind,
the bill of fare being made up of "slap jacks,'' bacon and coffee
with plenty of sugar. The health of the regiment was none of
the best; the water was poor, almost unfit to drink, and as a
consequence with poor food, bad weather and plenty of danger
and privation, it is not to be wondered at that many of the
men were stricken down, unable to march or perform duty. On 1
the way up the river Captain Gaines of company D, found two
of his men, Richard Morris and C. F. Hubert, very sick, he
ordered them carried to his state-room, and that all possible
attention should be given them. In a short time the Captain
of the boat discovered them and at once ordered them out de-
claring in a very decided manner that he would not allow "a
lousy soldier to sleep in his beds." Captain Gaines hearing the
racket took a hand at it and in a very positive manner gave
the captain of the boat to know that there was no bed on the
boat too clean or too good for one of company D, and closed
the interview by ordering the captain to his post on the boat,
after which all was well. The master of the boat had learned
his place and ever after kept it.
On the 28rd of February the Fiftieth landed at Clarks-
ville and quartered in a tobacco warehouse which was surroun-
ded by a stockade of cedar posts. Here the regiment remained
until the 20th, when it was ordered down to the river and on
board the John Raines steamed up the river to Naslmlle as
part of a reserve to Gen. Biiell, where it arrived en the evening
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 81
I
of the 27th, remaining on the steamer, returned to Clarksville
March} 1st, and took quarters in the private residences of the
town, Here matters settled down into the regular routine of
camp and garrison life. Details were made for provost duty,
picket and scouting parties sent out, and all this coupled with
company and regimental drill, went to make up a busy round.
In looking around some of the boys discovered, in an old
warehouse cellar, a large amount of half cured port, consisting
of hams, shoulders and sides, all of which was put where it
would do the most good. A party of company E found a small
cannon made out of a steam shaft, under a straw stack. It was
christened "Old Abe,1' and by some means turned up after the
war at Camp Point, -Illinois, where it has since been made to do
loyal dutv on fourth of July and like occasions.
The condition of the regiment, as to health, was at the
lowest degree. The exposure incurred at Forts Henry and Don-
elson made such inroads that at one time there was scarcelv a
man fit tor duty. Under the careful watching and treatment
of the surgeons, a change for the better rapidly grew into being
and the regiment once more resumed its original standing.
It was a matter of daily occurrence for arms and muni-
tions of war to be unearthed and brought to light. One even-
ing Col. P>ane was waited upon by a contraband, owned by the
Mayor of Clarksville, who save him information that led to the
capture of five barrels of molasses marked "C. S'.", also two
pieces oi artillery and their carriages, which had been thrown
into the river. Through the information obtained from this
slave, two more cannon were found }n a brush pile and six in the
toundrv whiefi until latelv had been in operation. Although l.
this colored man had done all this for his country, vet he was
forbidden protection from his master through the order of Gen-
i
era! Halleck. The day came, however, when such orders did
not prevail.
One day Parson Brownlow made his appearance, and, of
course, a speech followed. Among other things he said he had
been in prison for three months and fifteen days, and that his
captor- had tried to keep before his mind that the Lord was on
82 HISTORY OF THE
their side. v,But,?' he said, "I told them I had studied the bible
for forty years; as soon as I should come to believe that the
Lord kept company with such offscourings as they were, then I
would give up knowing anything of the bible."
On the 17th Of March Adjutant T.Jeff* Brown, having
become Unfit for duty, owing to exposure sustained at Forts
Henry and Donelson, obtained a leave of absence, expecting to
have his resignation, then pending, accepted.
His departure was the cause of deep regret, for he had,
by chivalrous and gentlemanly action, endeared himself to the
whole command. He was the recipient of many testimonials of
esteem, among which were a set of resolutions by the regimen-
tal band, composed of
Isaac Bowers, leader, W. Scott Byron,
Geo. W. Meredith, Anson Baldwin,
Joseph Bailhouse, Elijah M. Reed,
Chas, W. Fee, Tip. Prentiss,
Alex. McGowan, J. A. Beaumont.
The period for active operations now rapidly approached.
Supplies of munitions were pouring in, and every moment was
employed in perfecting the regiment in drill and manual of
arms. Provisions were accumulated and cooked, as for a long
march. . So when orders came to move, the regiment was. in
military parlance, "in marching shape." On the 25-th of March,
the Fiftieth, on the steamer L. M. Kennett, took its way down
the Cumberland and landed at Dover, on the 26th, in close
proximity to Fort Donelson, where it remained over night. An
opportunity was thus afforded for a visit to the battlefield, and
a greater p'ortion of the regiment availed itself of the privilege.
The sights presented during that interesting but mourn-
ful survey can never be forgotten. Upon every side the horrors
of war were presented with all their sickening details ; bodies
carelessly buried had become exposed; here an arm, or there a
ghastly skull; dead horses in every direction ; while here and
there were parties from the north moving in mournful proces-
sion, searching with loving solicitude for dear ones who had
been stricken down upon that fearful field of death. Full of
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
GO
CO
sorrow as was their mission, vet there was a thankful cry as
the poor father or mother at last found the object of their
search, the son who had left the old homestead with loving
ki>s upon his face to give his life, if necessary, for country and
the flag.
Returning to the steamer it was given out that the desti-
nation of the army was far up the Tennessee, and that the fleet
was to move down the Cumberland to Smithland, then down
the Ohio to Paducah, where the Tennessee pours its flood into
that "Beautiful River," and then up the Tennessee past Fort
' ...
Henry, to a point nearest Corinth. Mississippi, where the rebel
army, reorganized after Ponelson, lay encamped in strong force.
On the 28th of March, while the boat of the Fiftieth was
at the landing at Paducah, a box of ammunition exploded and
several of the men were injured, but with this exception all
moved as merry as a marriage bell.
When the fleet, made up of hundreds of river craft, pre-
ceded by the gunboats, moved down the Ohio and up the Tenn-
essee, loaded to the guards with men in blue, flags floating in
glorious fold on fold above them, the air filled with clash and
crash of music from innumerable bands, a sight was presented
such as the earth has seldom witnessed. The forces of nature
seemed to be in unison with the transporting scene, for already
bursting bud, opening flower, song of bird and gentle breeze
from southern clime, proclaimed the death of winter, and that
the springtime of the year had come with healing on her wings
to gladden hearts oppressed by war's dreadful sacrifice.
When nightfall came the fleet of boats tied up to the
shore, and pickets were thrown out to guard against surprise, as
well, also, to prevent the restless men from slipping through the
lines, upon foraging intent. If the latter purpose was in view
it was largely a failure, for near the morning hour squads of
men in blue camq noislessly on board with proofs of success in
the shape of hams, chickens, etc., the etc. being in canteens, well
tilled they were too. with apple-jack fresh from country stills.
It was to many a question how it was possible that such suc-
cess could come to strangers in a strange land, but as the years
84
HISTORY OF THE
came and went the question ceased to worry, having furnished
its own explanation.
From this point the regiment passed up the river without
mishap, and on the 29th landed at Savannah, ten miles below
Pittsburg Landing; the stop however was but of short duration,
the steamer proceeding four miles further to Crump's Landing,
where thes~ landed and bivouacked on the shore. After days of
confinement upon the boat it was a matter of great relief to
touch terra firma once more.
On the next day, the 30th, the regiment was transported
' to Pittsburg Landing and went into camp on the right of the
army near a slough filled with mud and dead back water, sup-
plied from Snake creek.
Here work began preparatory to the establishment of a
camp, and the first and second days of April were occupied
with cleaning the ground of brush and undergrowth, and in
generally setting things in order. At the same time details
were made to assist in unloading from the boat the camp equip-
age and quartermaster's stores belonging to the regiment. Many
of the men were sick and in dire need of attention. It was,
therefore, necessary to prepare a hospital. This was done under
the efficient direction of Surgeon Kendall, and as soon as pos-
sible the sick and disabled members of the command were re-
moved from the boat and made as comfortable as the means at
hand would allow.
From the organization of the regiment all through its
service, it was the recipient of favors from the women at home,
whose s^ons, husbands, brothers and sweethearts were at the
front, in such form and character as to clearly give evidence
that time nor distance could interfere or break the blessed tie
of love which bound as with bands of steel, their hearts to their
beloved ones in the field. And so when the regiment arrived at
Pittsburg Landing it found a supply of fruit awaiting its com-
ing, words caiyiot express the deep feeling of appreciation
which filled every soul as this fresh evidence of dear remem-
brance was made manifest. Col. Bane, in apt and fitting form,
exprer-ed to the nol
>k
donors, who lived at Chi v ton, Adams
5
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 85
county, his thanks for their most opportune gift, and what he
wrote was most heartily and gratefully seconded by all.
By the night of the second, the camp had taken shape
and a sense of comfort prevailed. Already many of the sick
were growing better. The April air and old mother earth were
valuable aids to the surgeon and his assistants. On the morn-
ing of the 4th the division of which the Fiftieth was a part was
marched out into a field, near the Purdy road, for inspection. .
This was the first general inspection for the regiment, and the
scene presented as the division, under command of the gallant
and chivalric Wallace, so soon to seal his loyalty with his blood,
was one never to be forgotten. The sun shone warm and sent
its rays in glistening lines of light along the ranks in blue. The
Hags flushed by a. gentle spring breeze exposed, yet half con-
cealed their beauteous folds; the music of the many bands, the
roll of the drums, the words of command, the soldier like ap-
pearance of the thousands as tiny stood in war's magnificent
array, all made up a picture soul stirring and inspiring. Dur-
ing the day reports from the front gave warning of the enemy's
near proximity; horsemen having been seen moving rapidly
about as if rcconnoitering, indicating to the rank and file, at
least, that the rebels in force, were not far away. But slight
attention was paid to this information, commanding officers
evidently being of the opinion that instead of attacking, the
enemy would await an attack. Impressed with this belief the
regiment marched back to its camp with easy step, -ready for a
soldier's fare and a night's repose. Saturday the order of the
day was made up of policing, hauling stores, issuing and draw-
ing rations, arkl, in a general way, getting ready for a good
time. Ah how suddenly that dream of comfort was shattered
by a bloody awakening.
As the armv in and about Pittsburg Landing that Satur-
nay night lay locked in "nature's sweet restorer balmy sleep," a
review of the situation would have shown that, as then concen-
trated, it did not in round numbers exceed, in all branches,
35,000 men. Many of the regiments were but recently from
home, unlearned in the duties of military life, and without
i
86 HISTORY OF THE
drill, save in the primary movements, company and regimental ;
the officers were strangers wholly unacquainted with the temper
of the men over whom they were to exercise command. It is
true that many regiments had been in at the death at Donelson
and there had displayed the material of which heroes are made,
but even counting this as of high worth, it remains true that
the thousands who slept that night around and about Shiloh
church, composed an army crude in form and, as yet, untried
by the fierce fires of battle. In all that sleeping host, from
commanding General to private soldier, there was no disturbing
» dream as to the coming morrow ; it was to be a day cf peace, of
rest; but ils the nightTs shadows were lifted, and the morning
stars had paled before the elf iiigent advance of the King of Day,
the angel of death had already set his signet upon the brow of
thousands who, before another night should come, would go
down to death or worse than death, swallowed up in the resist-
less tide of war's red sea.
CHAPTER VIII
Ihiloh — Movements of Rebel Gen. Johnston — His Force — Interesting Keminis-
censes of tlie Battle by Lieut. T. W. Letton— The Alarm of Battle— The
Struggle and Final Victory — Wounding of Cols. Bane and Swarthout and
Capture of the Latter — His Lite Saved by a Rebel Chaplain — Hannibal
Wounded but Recovers.
B
Y MANY writers conversant with their subject, Shiloh is
described as the bloodiest battle of the war. In many
respects it possesses characteristics different from those
incident to and surrounding the other great battles which star-
tled the world, and stand without parallel in modern -warfare.
1 1 i.- a notable fact that Shiloh furnishes but the one instance
Where the enemy moved in strong force to attack an army al-
ready formed fur the purpose of an advance and an assault. All
other great movements of the enemy, notably of Lee, Bragg
and Jackson, were not against armies of equal numbers or all
ready for battle, but were rather the transferring of their
armies to new lines for the purpose of establishing new bases
of operations. "*It was an invasion of territory, a "carrying of
the war into Africa,'1 rather than to find and assault.
The army of Albert Sidney Johnston, led out from Cor-
inth, Miss., twenty miles from Pittsburg Landing, numbered
45,000 of all arms. It was ably officered. Indeed no armed
body of men had ever before marched upon American soil un-
der orders froni leaders so well equipped, as did that which
■
88 HISTORY OF THE
moved to the assault and confident overthrow of Grant. Gen.
Johnston had already displayed the traits of a great General
in the field. He had around him men whose names illumed the
historic page by brilliant service in Mexico.
Around him were Bragg, Beauregard, Polk and Breckin-
ridge, all born to command, and highly versed in the ways of
war. He- had collected an army with the special view of des-
troying Grant before Buell could support him. And it is now
a part of history that his army marched away from their camps
at Corinth with implicit faith in their leader, and confident of
a victory which should be complete and overwhelming. It is
not within the design of these simple annals of a regiment to
enter upon and present any tiling like a history, descriptive, of
that great battle. The purpose only is, in some degree, to give
the story of what the Fiftieth saw and did. And in no better
form can that story be told than it is presented in the following-
pages by Lieut. Theo. W . Letton, at that time of company G,
and later on Adjutant of the regiment. Under the title "Rem-
inicences of Shiloh,'' he says :
Comrades :
It was a beautiful Sunday morning in April more than
thirty-one years ago when we answered the call "fall in," and
marched forth to do our part in that fiercest struggle of the
war, "the baitle of Shiloh."
No doubt every one of us can recall incidents of that
eventful day which would be pleasant reading; but it is a dis-
couraging task for one participant to attempt a history of all
the marching, lighting and suttering of the regiment, with little
excepting his memory to draw upon for details and descriptions.
However, wur secretary has seen lit to detail me for this duty,
and I must try and perform it in a manner that will be inter-
esting, and I hope instructive to my old comrades.
It is only fair before beginning, to remind you that these
reminiscences must of necessity appear somewhat personal, and
also to ask your kind indulgence, if my statements do not al-
ways coincide with the recollections of your stood selves.
.
Our i
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTttY.
Our regiment formed a part of Gen. C. F. Smith's divis-
ion, but as that gallant officer was sick at Savannah, Gen. W.
II. L. Wallace had been placed in command. Col. Sweeney,
it-horn we all remember as our old division commander in after
v*»ars, was in command of the 8rd brigade, which was composed
of the 8th Iowa, 7th, 50th, 52nd, 57th and 58th Illinois. We
ivere camped about a mile from the river, some distance north
of the road to Pittsburg Landing and about a fourth of a mile
east of what is known as the Savannah road.
I was expecting a detail as aide on the staff of Gen. Pren-
tiss, and was at his headquarters Thursday, Friday and Satur-
day before the battle.
On Saturday Gen. Sherman took dinner with Gen. Pren-
tiss and I heard him tell of the fight at one of his outposts the
evening previous. Afterwards I thought Gen. Prentiss seemed
somewhat worried and said to me that lie needed cavalry very
much ; that Gen. Grant had promised to send him some, but
it had not arrived. I had no idea, however, as I returned to
our camp that evening that the rebel army was just outside the
lines of Gen. Prentiss' division and readv to attack at daylight
the next morning.
The accompanying man, the plates of which are kindly
loaned us by Capt. A. T. Andreas, gives the position of the
Union forces, on the morning and evening of the first day's
battle. It also shows the camps of the different commands.
Prentiss and Sherman at the front, two miles and a half from
the landing, with Stuart's brigade of Sherman's division at the
forks of the Hamburg and Purdy road. McClernarKPs division
was a short distance in rear of Sherman's and Hurlbut's di-
rectly south of Wallace's. The latter two being within a radius
<>f a mile and a half from the landing. The camp of the Fifti-
eth Illinois was the last one to the right in Sweeney's brigade.
Sunday morning, April 6th, ISO:?, was as beautiful and
peaceful in our camp as one could ask, and notwithstanding
the sounds of artillery in the distance, we ate our breakfast
with but little, if any, misgivings as to the terrible battle in
which we 'were soon to take pari.
(6)
90 HISTORY OF THE
It was probably S o'clock when the brigade was ordered
into line and after some considerable delay, marched out on the
Corinth road, 1 think some little distance beyond the Hamburg
and Savannah road.
There were quite a number of wounded artillery horses
where we halted and it was impossible to prevent the poor ani-
mals from coming up and rubbing their heads against us, beg-
ging in this mute way to be relieved of their sufferings.- We
were glad enough when the order came to march and leave
them. Instead, however, of following the balance of, the brig-
ade which marched further out on the Corinth road and formed
a portion of the line which was held so stubbornly until op. m.,
a part of which the enemy, after being repeatedly repulsed with
heavy loss, christened the "Hornet's Nest," we were detached
and sent to the left of the line.
Gen. Buell, in his "Shiloh Reviewed,'' speaking of Col.
Sweeney's brigade, says, "one of his regiments, the Fiftieth Illi-
nois, was sent in the maniing \o support Col. Stuart on the ex-
treme left, and shared the fate of the sufferers in that quarter/'
Notwithstanding the bitter'controversy that has been waged re-
garding this battle, and the numerous articles written concern-
ing it by the most distinguished^Generals of the war, the fore-
going is the only mention of this regiment that I have succeed-
ed in finding.
After leaving the Hamburg road, company C was deploy-
ed as skirmishers to lead the way through the dense underbrush.
We made very slow progress, but were finally halted on the
edge of a hill, there being a deep ravine between us and Col.
Stuart's command, which we could see on the opposite side.
The regiment was placed in position here, the left being toward
Col. Stuart and located on a spur that ran some distance into
i"
the ravine, and company C, having been withdrawn from the
skirmish line, was on the left of the regiment. There were, I
think, two companies on an alignment with company C, facing
almost due west, and the balance of the regiment was formed
facing nearly south. Gen. MeArthur's brigade was on our right,
but there was a space of an eighth of a mile between us, so that
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
91
:
v, q were left without support, and I may also add, without or-
ders. I do not remember how long we had been in this position
\ »t think only a short rime, when the enemy attacked Colonel
Stuart's brigade, composed of the 55th Ills., 54th and list Ohio.
We could see the engagement plainly from company C's posi-
li hi, and our regimental officers were near the left a great deal
of^the time watching the battle. After the fight had been in
irirogcess some time Col. Bane ordered Lieut. 3ol. Swarthout and
Sergeant Major Hughes to go down into the ravine in front for
the purpose of reconnoitering. By this time Stuart had fallen
hack some distance and the enemy were about on a line with
the left of our regiment.
These two officers had been gone but a few minutes when
the horse which Sergeant Major Hughes had ridden came dash-
ing up the small ravine in rear of company C, but the saddle
was empty and we felt certain something serious must have
happened to the rider. Our fears were fully confirmed when
considerable time passed and neither officer returned.'
All firing having ceased on the opposite side of the ravine
we knew that it would not be Jong before we would be attacked.
The spur on which the left of the regiment was stationed was
quite narrow and when Mike Ward and Martin Kiser who, with
details from other companies, had been posted about 50 feet in
front of the regimeiu. keeping watch down the ravine, came back
and said the rebels were coming, I stepped possibly twenty feet
m front of the company and watched them climbing the hill.
Their flag was held close to the staff and had the appearance of
the stars and stripes, until when they were within a short dis-
tance of the t<>p, they let it unfurl and L saw plainly the stars
and bars. I immediately hurried behind the company to order
them to tire, when I saw a line of the enemy not more than one
hundred and fiftv ibet to our left and extending entirely across
the south end of the small ravine that ran in our rear. Our
hoys fired at the enemy approaching their front and almost at
the same instant the enemy on our flank fired at us. I saw them
plainly when they raised their guns, turned their heads to one
B*de in order to aim, -and then ti red. To say that I was surpri-
:
9:2 HtSTOKY OiA THE
sed and horrified would fall far short of expressing my feelings
at that moment. I felt certain the whole company would he
annihilated, and doubtless that would have been fejae result, if
we had been two or three feet taller, but as it was, most of the
bullets passed over our heads and did no damage. It was evi-
dent that we were outnumbered and outgeneraled and must
either surrender or make a break for liberty. We instinctively
chose the latter, and as soon as our men were across the ravine
in our rear they took position behind trees and loaded and fired
at the approaching enemy. When a man had fired he would run
to a tree further in the rear, again load and fire. In this way we
retreated prubably a mile, and I am confident the enemy suf-
fered a great deal mure than we did in that running fight.
While this fight was going on. some one came and asked
us to make an extra effort to hold the enemy in check, as Col.
Bane was badly hurt and they were trying to get him off the
field and save him from capture. The word was quickly passed
along the line and we held our ground until the Colon*/! had
been carried a safe distance to the rear. J. F.Carter of compa-
ny B, Joseph Evans and Isaac J. Ogle of company I), and Nathan
Crystal of company E, are entitled to special mention for hav-
ing, at great personal risk, carried the Colonel to a place of
safety after he fell from his horse. He was afterwards taken on
board the steamer la tan, where bis faithful wife, who had been
helping at the regimental hospital, joined him. After his arm
had been amputated he was sent north and did not return to
the regiment until the following October.
After crossing a deep ravine the regiment was again form-
ed and occupied that position for some little time. There were
no other troops in sight and no one to give us orders. Col. Bane
had received a bullet in his right arm and side, and was then on
his way to the landing. Lieut. Col. Swarthout was wounded
and in the* hands of the enemy. Major Randall had become
separated from us in some way, and therefore Capt. Gaines,
being the senior officer present, was elected Acting Lieut. Col.
assumed command and decided to march to the rear. Cap-
tain Hanna was elected Acting Major. Although a number ol
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
OB
nieers and men had become separated from the regiment, those
who remained were not disconcerted in the least because of our
]•<•- nt rough experience, but were perfectly cool and collected,
und ready to meet the enemy at any moment, if we could keep
,'sn in our front. We passed through a number of damps,
which doubtless belonged to Gen. Hurlbut's regiments, but met
no troops until we reached the main road to Pittsburg Landing.
Wo came to this some little distance from the top of the hill
above the landing.
I think the first officer we met was Capt. Stone of the 1st
Missouri artillery, who had taken position with his battery just
south of Pittsburg Landing road, and who asked us to remain
with him and help, form a line of battle there. We readily
assented, but he was so fearful we, would desert him- and permit
the enemy to capture his guns, that he insisted on our going
about fifty feet, in front of his battery and lying down so he
could fire over our heads. We accommodated him, but after
lying there some time and no enemy appearing, we suggested a
change of base. The Captain had -doubtless become satisfied by
this time that we did not belong to the crowd that seemed de-
termined to reach the river, and consented to our moving to
tic rear and left of his battery. We remained in this position
until after the charge which the enemy made about G p. m.
During thisassault Capt. Stone's battery did consider able firing
as did also some of our men. particularly those on the left,
whose range was unobstructed by the artillery. The smoke was
so great, however, that I could not see the enemy in our front,
but saw their lite plainly some distance to our right, and it was
8 happy moment to me when they gave way and fell back.
From our position we could see General Grant sitting on
his horse near the top of the hill to our left, and a part of the
time Surgeon KendaiPv.ith him. The latter told me, a day or
so afterwards, that during the rebel charge, when it looked as
though they might drive us into the river, he said, ''General
things are going decidedly against us to-day," which drew forth
one of Grant's characteristic replies, "Not at all sir. we are
whipping them there now*" The result proved his remark true
94 HISTORY OF THE
but I venture the assertion there was not another man in the
army who would have made it at that particular time.
The confederate troops that made the charge were Jack-
son's brigade and the Oth and 10th Mississippi of Chalmer's
brigade, the latter regiments being directly in our front. It is 1
claimed by the rebels that they would have given us a great I
deal harder fight than they did if they had not run out of am-
munition, but I feel satisfied that under no circumstances could
they have carried our lines by a front attack, and at last we
were in a position where they could not get on our flank.
Gen. Buell in his "Shiloh" Reviewed,'' says that the 1st
j- "brigade of Nel son's division formed the extreme left of our line
! during the enemy's assault that evening, but I am certain this
is a mistake, as there were no soldiers to the left of Stone's
battery, except the Fiftieth, and a small detachment of men in
Zouave uniforms, who took position on our left Just as the fight
began.
The regiment retained this position, south of Pittsburg
Landing road, until near morning. The rain, which came down
in torrents, together with the noise of the shells which the gun-
boats fired up Dill's ravine at intervals of every fifteen minutes,
rendered it impossible to secure either sleep or rest, Buell's
troops having finally taken position in our front, thus relieving
the regiment from immediate duty, it was marched back to camp
reaching there ata&t o o'clock in the morning. After remain-
ing in their tents for several hours, drving clothes and getting
a little rest and hot coffee, the men were again ordered to fall
in, and marched back to the Pittsburg Landing road, and were
placed in position with the right resting on the Corinth road.
While the regiment was standing here waiting for orders, and
Buell's troops in our front were driving the rebels before them,
a sudden and rfhaceountable panic arose in our front. Soldiers
on foot, officers on horseback, six mule army wagons, ambulan-
ces filled with wounded, all in a confused mass, came rushimr
down the road towards the landing. Capt. Gaines realizing the
gravity of the situation, moved the regiment a little to the right
so as to reach across the road, had the men fix bavonots and
^'^J*ff>«'Pita>Af»CJ6<Hr^Pl&jrT»(f5JC^_^sy««iey»wi#''4jS¥'
1 "i^ >"*i|i''iwili_i"iiM»^wi|iMtiiiaiirfyiiw*wii««ii ■■■wii ■iHMiiiiirfiiw nfl in !■ miw ii«wgaiw«iiMPW«J(W!M<MiM*»^» ''— ' !!■ i;lin|in»1»«^
Benedict & Co., Engr's Cnicago. __jj
Biw«»Mjw«!i«a«»wairaoaM!aM»eBwr»»iir»s*F^ »
.' Battery |gpX*jV^/
>Iu^ih*aJtattery t*^* ^^^^ *'
Benedict & Co.. Enjr's Ciicsgn.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
95
I
1
fttand at a charge, and permitted no one but the wounded and
[hose attending them to pass through. This action effectually
-eked the stampede, and Gen. Grant, who it seems had been a
witness of the entire affair, at once rode up and complimented
dipt. Gaines for his good judgment and prompt action.
Soon after this the regiment was moved forward some
distance, and after remaining near Dill's ravine for some time
without the least attention being paid to it, Capt. Gaines direc-
ted me, I having been detailed as Acting Adjutant, to try and
find some general officer who would instruct us what to do, I
r<nie back to the road leading to the landing and happened to
meet General Grant on his way to the river. I reported the
regiment to him, and he said to follow up and keep in support-
ing distance of Gen. Buell's troops. They were a mile or so in
advance of us by this time and evidently not needing support,
and although I delivered the instructions we did not attempt to
carry them out, but after waiting an hour or so longer, and the
battle getting farther and farther away from us, we returned to
our camp.
That evening with several other officers, I rode to our
battle ground of the day previous, and about one hundred feet
to the left and rear of the position that had been occupied by
company C, we found the body of Sergeant- Major Hughes. Ho
"was a large, tine looking young man, and had he lived through
the battle, would without doubt, have been commissioned as
Adjutant of the regiment, and filled the position with credit to
himself and honor to the command.
When Colonel Swarthout and Sergeant Major Hughes
reached the bottom of the ravine, the Colonel called Hughes'
attention to the enemy's flag, which could be seen on the hill
above. Just then a number of the enemy rose about fifty steps
in their front, and told them to come on and they would not be
hurt, but threatenedtc kill tliem if they tried to escape. Hughes
paid no attention to their threats, but putting spurs to his horse,
tried to return to our lines, but was fired on and killed. Col.
Swarthout being on foot, drew his revolver and taking a position
behind a tree attempted- to delend himself, but while he was
96
HISTORY OF THE
exchanging shots with some soldiers on one side, he exposed
himself on the other, and received a bullet in his right thigh.
The Colonel then surrendered and was taken to the confederate
field hospital, where he was left with nothing under him but
Mother Earth, and nothing over him but the canopy of Heaven.
He lay without care or food all that day, during the terrible
rain storm that night, and until the next afternoon, about 5 p,
m., when ho was found by James Yost of an Ohio regiment, and
taken with a number of confederate wounded, to' Gen. Nelson's
division, where he remained all night. Two of company Gr's
Boys happened along that way during the evening, and he sent
word by them to Surgeon Kendall, as to his condition and loca-
tion. The next morning a regimental ambulance came and
conveyed him to our camp.
On Wednesday Col. Bane, Lieut. Col. Swarthout and other
wounded officers and soldiers, were placed. y:m board the steamer
Black Hawk, and were soon on their way to the north, to receive
that care and nursing which it was impossible to give them at
the front. Our losses were as follows :
Killed, 18
Wounded and died from effects of same - 10
Wounded and recovered, - 43
Captured, ------- 5
Total, 71
As far as official records are concerned, there is but little
to show that we had any part in this great battle. I am sure,
however, that our operations, while crude in comparison with
what we were capable of accomplishing a few months later, were
quite equal to the work done by many regiments that received
great praise for their fighting on this occasion, and I trust this
*• article, though it does not include many who were slightly
wounded, wirt convey to the reader a correct idea of the bravery
and fortitude displayed by the officers and men of the Fiftieth
during this memorable battle.
The first day at Shiloli was a battle of men. not Generals,
and the soldiers of the Fiftieth were as brave and intelligent as
•
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
07
any there, and notwithstanding the disaster of the morning, the
regiment retained its organization and discipline throughout
the balance of the day, and at the time of the enemy's last
charge, stood in line determined not only to hold its position,
hut anxious to press forward to victory.
Yours truly,
Chicago, Oct UL ISO J. THEO. W. LETTON.
The following is believed a correct list, so far as' obtain-
able, of the killed and wounded :
Field and Staff.
M. M. Bane, Colonel ; wounded in right side; right arm ampu-
tated.
Win. Swarthout, Lieutenant Colonel; wounded in right leg,
Adam M, Hughes, Sergeant Major; killed.
Company A.
Henry C. Cecil, private; wounded.
Francis Donahoe, private; wounded in ankle and died at Sa-
vannah. April 29, 1862.
Jacob Fisher, private; wounded in breast, died May 27. •
Christian Fausell, sergeant; wounded right arm.
Peter I. Haiston, private; wounded in leg,
Bernard O'Donnelly, private; wounded in spine, died April 12.
James Richardson, private; killed.
John Wilcox, private ; wounded in spine, died as boat reached
Quincy, April 2-1.
Comfany B.
C. S. Anderson, private; captured and escaped.
J. F. Carter, corporal ; wounded.
William Huddleston, private; wounded, taken prisoner and es-
caped.
Preston Lathrop, private; wounded, left shoulder.
David Laughlin. private: wounded in left hand.
G. D. Mil by, corporal ; wounded and died at Clayton, June 5.
Alexander J. Scott, corporal; killed.
Lewis C. Slater, private ; wounded in ankle.
Wm. Thompson, private; wounded.
E. 0. Yeldell, corporal; wounded in Lett hand.
Y
98 HISTORY OF THE
Company C.
W. W. Burnbam, private; wounded.
Charles Beard, private; killed.
Edward Jones, private: captured.
M. 1,. Mill edge, private; wounded in left thigh, prisoner and pa-
rolled.
E. D.' Roe, private; wounded.
Jarne^ H. Stanfield, corporal ; killed.
\V. F. Taylor, private; killed.
Company D.
Isaac J. Allen, private; wounded left arm.
X. W. Allen, private; wounded left arm.
G. WN. Butler, private; buckshot in knee.
Robert Col-well , private; wounded live places, lay on the field
until Tuesday; died April 1-i, on steamer.
Reuben Grigshy, private; killed, shot twelve times.
l John H. Grallaher, private; captured.
T. T. Hall, private; wounded left shoulder.
W. K. Hasclwood, lieutenant; wounded right arm.
Wm. Larrimore. private; wounded five places, breast, shoulder
and leg; lay on field until Tuesday; died April 14.
J. M. Reed, private ; wounded in breast.
George W. Stauffer, private; wounded in face, neck and thumb.
Alexander Waller, private; killed, shot eight times.
Company E.
George W. Acklam, private; captured.
Howard W. Cletter, pivate; killed.
W. B. Grleason, private; wounded in knee and shoulder.
James A. Leshbaugh, private; wounded in wrist.
Jacob Long, corporal ; killed.
John Sims, private : captured.
W. I). Turner, private; wounded over left eve, ball lodged in
skull.
Samuel F. Thomas, private: received five balls, and lay on the
field until Tuesday, the 8th, when he died.
Company F.
Thomas Deleplain, private; wounded in breast.
II. Hockenmoek, private; wounded in head.
Henry Mensendike, private; wounded in forehead.
John Lancaster, private; wounded in left lung,
Company G.
William E. Coquillette. private; received five balls and lay on
the field until Tuesday the 8th, when he died.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
99
"
■
Company H.
J, P. Amonett, private ; lost right arm, also wounded in calf and
thigh of left leg, index finger of right hand and ringer of
left hand.
John Abbott, private: wounded.
Samuel Chapman, private ; wounded.
Jessie Gibson, private ; wounded.
Gale Martin, corporal : wounded.
J«»hn McPaniel. private; Wounded.
W. J. Queen, private ; wounded.
R. R. Randall, private: wounded.
* Company I.
Francis M Bogg, private; killed.
Edwin M. Beatley, private; wounded.
John M. Sterritt, private: wounded and died April 25, 18(5:?.
Thomas G. Stewart, sergeant; killed.
Company K,
J. J. Childers, private; wounded and died July 19, 1S62.
Silas Ebersole. private; wounded left ankle.
Patrick Hogan, private; missing, supposed to have been killed.
Samuel Hale^ private; wounded in thigh.
Morritt McDonald, private; wounded and taken prisoner.
Sylvester YYaldrurY, private; wounded in head,
RECAPITULATION I
Field
&
Staff
1
Comp
.inv A
1
» •
B
1
a
C
8
a
D
2
<<
E
2
u
F
i.
G
a
H
a
I
2
it
K
1
EUlel DiBfdoiWd3.
4
1
Wounded,
0
1
1
8
o
s
1
Japtured.
1
1
1
3
8
10
7
12
8
4
1
8
4
6
Capt»rsd and ?.2c:vs::d.
1
3
1
2
1
. 1
Totals, 13 10 43 5 71 9
Col. Sw-arthout, Win. Huddleston, company B, and M. L,
Milledge, company C, were wounded, captured and then retaken,
Quite a number more received wounds of which we have for-
gotten.
100 HISTORY OF THE
E. D. Roe of company C, writes, "If the history of the
regiment fails to show that instead of losing courage by the
reverses of the day the regiment gained in courageous purpose
to hold its place in line, then it will not correctly record the
, fact. The truth is that when the '-Blind Half'5 formed it.- last
line on Sunday evening it was in better fighting humor than at
any time during. the day. It was worth several years of com-
mon life to feel as we did then. I cannot explain my feelings,
only I know that we all felt alike. I recall some of my com-
rades. O. C. Hartshorn was right on my left; he was but a boy,
and I was surprised when he enlisted that he was accepted.
Well I was satisfied that day that his acceptance was no mis-
take. I remember Rube Gunn, "Thad '*' Hinckley, Ed. Tyler,
and Lieut. Burnham, they were there for sure. There were sev-
eral who by reason of sickness, could have remained in hospital
camp, secure from danger, but they would none of it. Charles
Bean, James II. Stanfield, Adam M. Hughes and Win. F. Taylor
of company C, lay dead upon the Held, but the thought of their
sacrifice infused each onecf their comrades with a fresh deter-
mination to avenge their death. Will W. Burnham and Mort.
Milledge were among the wounded. I wish I could recall all,
for their names ought to remain, for ail time to come, imper-
ishable. Of one thing I have ever felt sure. If Buell had not
reached us, we would have helc] the field, and in the end won
the victory. Our lines, as asiablished, could never have been
broken."
Without the following, written by Lieut. Silas Ebersole
of company K, this chapter would be lacking in some of its
most interesting incidents. In a memorandum entitled "My
recollections of the first day's battle of Shiioh.'1 he says:
''We were in camp one half mile to the right of the Purely
or Corinth road, near Snake creek, and about one-and-a-half
miles from the Tennessee river. Early on the morning of Sun-
day, April 6£h, ISC:?, we arose as usual, the sky was clear and
beautiful, the sun arose in ail her splendor, the birds were sink-
ing their sweet merry sme^s, the trees were putting on their
beautiful coats of green, and everything indicated a bright and
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
101
happy day. Breakfast over, the hoys were out jumping", run-
ning foot races, wrestling and having a good time generally;
when bark! boom, boom, boom; what does that mean? Oh, its
only our artillery out practicing, said some one. This remark
seemed to be satisfactory for a time: we went to work cleaning
u}) our guns and cam]) ground, ready for Sunday morning in-
spection as usual, thinking everything was all right. But hark!
the cannon's boom is not hushed; listen, we hear the low dull
roar of musketry. A battle is at hand and in full blast; there
can be no doubt of this? See, there comes an orderly at full
speed, his horse in a foam of sweat, he rides hastily to the
Colonel's headquarters, hands him a slip of paper and after a
moment's pause, rides away as rapidly as he came'. All ears are
now alert, and deathly stillness prevails over the entire camp.
''Sound the long roll." "Fall in double quick," comes loud and
clear the commands from the Colonel's lips. All is bustle and
hurry for a few minutes, and then we form in line in front of
the Colonel's quarters. ••Bight face, quick time, forward,
march." We obev and march oil" in a southeasterlv direction
to the Purely road ; here we meet a jam of infantry, artillery,
cavalry, ammunition wagons and ambulances in a conglomerate
mass, all trying to go somewhere, but no one seemed to know
where ; we, however, marched along the side of the road south-
ward toward the field of carnage and death, meeting many am-
bulance? loaded with the wounded and dying. Nearer and
nearer comes the cannon's roar, nearer and nearer the musuket's
roll and rattle, until it seems that wo must be marching into
the enemy's ranks, when we are turned abruptly to the left,
down a narrow ridge heavily timbered, down which we marcli
to a point near the river. Here we are formed in line of battle,
the skirmishers are ordered out to a position about one hund-
red and fifty yards in advance of the main line, here awaited
the onslaught which we knew must soon come.
It is abojit this time that Col. Bane is wounded, his right
arm is shattered near the shoulder and the same ball goes
crashing into his side. The enemy is moving in strong force to
our attack. \Ve have lost Bane, and now Swarlhout.oiir Lieut'
102
.->
HISTORY OF THE
i
I
!
Colonel, goes down, and the gallant Hughes, Sergeant Major and
Acting Adjutant, lies dead upon the Held. But there is no time
to lament for the enemy is right on us, pouring volley after
volley into our lines. We return the lire with deadly effect but
are forced back inch by inch, leaving our dead and wounded
upon the field. Every foot of ground is closely and stubbornly
contested. Here it was that several of my company boys were
killed and wounded." Continuing Lieut. Ebersole says: "I
was wounded about 2 o'clock in the afternoon of the 6th and
was taken to the landing, where I was placed on board a steam
Coat and taken to Savannah, ten miles below Pittsburg Land-
ing, but finding no room in the hospitals there, I returned to
the battle-field determined to try and find my regiment, but
failing in this 1 returned to the landing. Here I saw a large
number of dead and wounded men, and every minute was add-
ing to their number; many more were sufferers from want of
proper care and attention, and to add still more to their suffer-
ing that night, it rained hard. Without shelter and without
blankets or any tiling to ward off the rain, these poor wounded
men suffered beyond description; many prayed for death to
take them out of their misery, while others, sorely wounded,
tried to make cheerfulness take the place of suffering by sing-
ing or whistling; patriotic songs, or telling laughable stories;
still others were trying to make their poor suffering comrades
comfortable by spreading their own coats over them, or giving
them their last piece of blanket. All this and more could
truthfully be said, but I must close as this article is perhaps
already too long."
An interesting sketch is furnished by S. E. Hewes, in
which is given the story of the death of Acting Adjutant Hughes
and the serious wounding and capture of Lieut. Col. Swarthout.
He writes :
"Sunday morning April 0th, 1862, the regiment was or-
dered into line and proceeded in a southwesterly direction un-
til it reached one of the hills near where the battle was raging,
when it took a position on the crest of the hill. About Oo'clock
troops were seen moving on the brow of the. hill in front. The
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
108
Fiftieth got ready for an attack, when Sergeant Major Hughes
Baid : "Don't fire on them ; don't you see they are carrying
our Hog." The enemy had some of our flags they had just cap-
tured which the Sergeant Major saw. Col. Bane requested Col.
Swarthout, who was dismounted at the time, to walk towards
the troops in front and see whether they were our men or the
enemy. Capt. Gaines suggested that the Sergeant Major, who
was on the Adjutant's horse, should go with him. They pro-
ceeded down the hill, crossed., the little ravine when, looking up
they saw the rebel flag. The Colonel said to the Adjutant,
"They are rebels; see their flag.'' There were a number of
muskets pointed at them and they were ordered to surrender,
with the promise they should not be hurt, but if they ran they
would shoot them. The Sergeant Major turned his horse and
put spurs to him to escape and as he was leaning over his horse
to dodge some brush overhead, a bullet went through his body
killing him instantly. His horse came dashing back and swept
around to where Col. Bane was sitting on his horse, and fell
dead at his side. In the meantime Col. Swarthout drew his re-
volver and began retreating, firing as he went, and trying toget
some protection from the trees. He had just fired his last shot
when a bullet struck him in the leg, bringing him to the ground
when he was captured by the rebels and taken to their field
hospital. All the attention he received from the rebel surgeons
wasa teaspoonful of alcohol given him by one of them. He lay
there without shelter through that day and all of the night
while the rain was falling, receiving no other care, and no food
being offered him until the enemy having been driven from the
tield, he was found by two men of company G, who were look-
ing for some missing comrades. He told the men to go for Dr.
Kendall as quickly as possible. Soon Surgeon Kendall and
Chaplain Bigger arrived, when he was immediately conveyed to
the regimental hospital, where he was properly cared for.
"When Sergeant Major Hughes' body was found the next
day, a paper was pinned to his clothing reading "This is Dr.
Hughes, late of Texas." The Doctor had been in the south just
previous to the breaking out of the war, and had incurred the
i
101
HISTORY OF THE
enmity of the southerners, by his outspoken words against sla-
very. He was rabbed of his horse and buggy, his books were
burned and he was given notice to lea^e immediately. He was
denounced as an abolitionist by them. Many of the Fiftieth
will remember that while in Missouri. Dr. Hughes was alwayz
ready for a scout or anything that promised a chance to meet
the rebels."
When Lieut. Col. Swarthout was struck he sank down
behind a tree. His life was undoubtedly saved by the Chaplain
of an Alabama regiment who ordered the skirmishers not to fire
on the wounded officer, saying, "he is too brave a man to kill,
let me wins: him." Whereupon the Chaplain had him convey-
Oil %/
ed to a hospital tent in the cam]) of the enemy where he gave
directions for his comfort. The Colonel asked his captors who
was in command of the regiment when it fell back, and was
told by a "tall, bald-headed man with a red sash." By this he
knew Captain Gaines of company D was in command and that
Col. Bane was wounded. Shortly after Col. S. had. reached the
hospital the Chaplain, who had returned to the front, was
brought hack dead, having been shot in the "forehead.
Recalling the steed Hannibal, presented to Col. Swarth-
out bv the loyal citizens of Hannibal, Mo., it is worthy of men-
tion that he was severely wounded early in the battle, but was
safely led from the 1'mACi and, after some weeks of care, was as
good as ever.
.
CHAPTER IX.
From Shiloh to Corinth — Grant and his Detractors — Arrival of Pope — Camp at
Monterey — How the Fiftieth outflanked the Seventh — A Southern Neck-
lace— "Gen. Danes" — Closing the line on Corinth — The Evacuation, Re-
treat and Pursuit — Perurn to Corinth — Organization of Camp — Loyalty
versus Treason — The Chaplain's Visit Home — His Success — Lavish Sup-
ply of Vegetables and Fruits — The Prayer Meetings — Reflections.
-
'HE period from the close of the battle of Shiloh, on the
evening of April 7th, to the 1st of May was occupied with
clearing the battlefield, burying the dead from both ar-
mies, carim; for and removing the wounded, and reorganizing
ami reinforcing the armies of Grant and Buell. Gen. Halleck
immediately after the battle broke up his headquarters at St.
Louis and assumed the immediate command of the army in the
field. He came with much noise and parade, and brought with
him the assurance that, at the earliest possible moment, the
rebels under Beauregard would be met and annihilated. But
days passed into weeks and no forward movement was initiated.
Grant was virtually in disgrace, the victim of Halleck's jeal-
ousy and as well of the venal and libellous assaults of a class of
newspaper correspondents, whoso employment was evidently
based upon their ability to misinterpret and misrepresent. It
was charged, and by many thousands believed, that he was not
on the field on Sunday., but ten miles below drank on a boat.
(7)
106
HISTORY OF THE
.:
And so the glory which had come to him at Donelson faded
away, under the blighting touch of envy and detraction. With
a fortitude to n degree marvelous when considered in the light
of subsequent events. Grant accepted the situation. Obeying
the call of duty; sinking consideration of self in the general
good. Guided bv the thought that' time, the great solvent.
would correct the false and make bright the truth, he abided by
unjust, decrees and awaited the vindication which, in his very
soul, he knew full well would come.
In the meantime, General Pope, fresh from his victory at
New Madrid, Mo., joined the army with thirty thousand men of
all arms and was assigned to the left of the advance, his army
being designated the left wing.
The days came and went until time dragged, and it was,
therefore, a matter of congratulation when marching orders
were received. With alacrity the Fiftieth lookup its line of
march, but from the start the movement lagged and drugged.
Breaking camp on the 1st day of May, Monterey, thirteen miles
from Shiloh, was not reached until the 8th, and here the divis-
ion of which the Fiftieth formed a part, remained for several
days. However on the first evening after arriving at Monterey
the brigade commander discovered what seemed, at the time, to
be a battery masked, and orders were issued to strike tents, and
preparations were at once made to meet a force of the enemy.
That night the whole command slept under a pelting rain, upon
arms, ready for an assault, but when morning came, investiga-
tion developed that the masked battery was nothing more than
logs set up to resemble guns. Near this "masked battery" was
the dead body of a Texas soldier. Upon examination it was
found that he had between the lining of his vest a steel breast-
plate, which made a good shield from front attack, but in an
unguarded moment lie had exposed his side through which a
bullet had entered, thus ending his service. A letter in his vest
evidently from his sweetheart, written from her school-room at
New Orleans, requested him. in love's most tender and endear-
ing tones, to bring her some Yankee linger bones for a necklace.
.Just as the regiment was going into camp before the mask
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS IXFANTKY.
107
?'
- .? battery episode, a drove of fifteen or twenty slieep and sev-
■ ral pigs, which had escaped the observation of the Johnnies,
suddenly broke into view more directly in front of the 7th Illi-
nois, which, owing to their expertness in foraging, wore the
honorable title pi "Gook?s Grampers." As soon as. the boys of
t[w Fiftieth beheld the welcolne sight a deployment was made,
without Orders, and the flock and drove was corralled, and, be-
fore the "Crampers5: knew it, the' Fiftieth had fresh meat for
dinner. From this time on honors were easy as between the
two regiments,
Although in front of the enemy the command was not
i«ilc. General Davies, commander of the division, occupied
••very opportune moment in drilling by brigade and division.
This was absolutely of importance for. by these means comman-
dingofficers became acquainted with each other, and the men
uu'ew the better educated in those formations and movements so
necessary to the successful operation of troops in the field.
On the afternoon of the loth a slight skirmish occurred
near Monterey in which two men were wounded, the enemy be-
mg driven off.
On the morning of the 10th, Alfred P. Zolman of compa-
ny G, on detail at the ordinance .quarters, was sleeping near a
number of muskets leaning against a pile of ammunition. His
"bunky," Henrv King, was lying nearest the trims and, upon his
rising Erst, Zolman rolled over into the place just vacated.
Without warning, a decayed tree broke oil about ten feet high,
and falling, struck on the boxes of ammunition and, rebound-
ing on the guns, slipped down directly on the head of Zolman,
killing him instantly.
The several vacancies in the list of commissioned officers
caused by resignations, sickness and wounds, produced consid-
erable speculation as to the succession, and the officers in com-
mand were made up as follows:
General Davies commanded the division. The third
brigade, of which the Fiftieth was a part, was commanded by
Col. Ibihlwin. 57th Illinois. Oapt. Smith, company B, was act-
ing Colonel; Capt. Gaines, company 1>, acting Lieut. Colonel;
108
HISTORY OF THE
\
!
I
I
Capt. Hanna, company E. acting Major and Lieut. T. \V. Let-
ton, company C, Adjutant. The return, however, of many ot
the absent officers put a change upon the face . of affairs as will
be hereafter noted.
In .the meantime Capt. Smith of company B, was strick-
en down with sickness, and "was forced to go to the 'regimental
hospital. In the natural line of promotion lie was entitled to
be Major, but during his illness Capt. Samuel R. Glenn, of com-
pany II, in some way, possibly through certain influences at
home, forestalled him and received a commission as Major t<
date from April 28th, 1S62, vice Major Randall, resigned.
Under the advice of Surgeon Kendall, and owing to ill
health, Capt. Smith tendered his resignation which was after-
wards, on June 1st, accepted.
Slowly advancing, the enemy stubbornly resisting, the
column of which the Fiftieth was a part, finally reached a point
within six miles of Corinth, and encamped on a ridge which was
strongly fortified by well constructed intrenchments and breast
works, and here it is proper to insert a bit of life history from
the facile pen of the gallant McGillicuddy, entitled "A Bra v.
Defender of the Flag.'7
" It has been truthfully said./' the Ca|> tain Writes, "that
the unwritten history of the late war would prove the most in-
teresting were it possible to produce it.
" The voice of history has been silent as to names and
deeds of the real heroes of the war. Battles have been recorded
with the names of those commanding the forces; and a roll of
the regiments and of the officers taking part in them. Is it. not
fitting that a record be made of the rank and file that won
them that the world may know who were the men who marched
to the cannon's mouth; who received its deadly fire; who step-
ped in places of fallen comrades; who held the colors of their
regiment or closed about to defend them; who charged the en-
emy in the face of death ; who gave life or limb or health ; who
lay in hospital or in prison : who now live to be honored of t)
nation they maintained or in whose death is perpetuated its in-
m
1
mh
mm
mi
mm
i - 41
mm m ^ ■ II
ADJUTANT THEODORE W. LETTOX.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 109
-titutions? To carry out tlae purpose of this prelude the fol-
lowing sketch, is given of one of the defenders of the flag.
In December, 1301, while in camp at St. Joseph, Mo.,
there appeared in our midst a remarkably strange and striking
looking man of about thirty years of age; tall and slender with
n ministerial appearance in dress and speech. He took quarters
at one of the principal hotels and registered from Fremont, Ne-
braska. He introduced himself to the loyal and liberty loving
people of Missouri through flaming handbills on all public pla-
ces in the following announcement: "General Danes has arriv-
al in the citv and wishes to raise an army of a million men to
out down ill'-:1 rebellion at the expense of the rebels— to take no
prisoners or show any quarters — to prosecute the 'Jim Lane
policy.' Those favoring the above propositions are cordially
invited to call at his headquarters."
" In those days of the late unpleasantness it was difficult
for the average man to comprehend the full scope of the gener-
al's proposition — that was prior to the day of "cranks.'' He
lingered around, visiting the various commands in camp, eluci-
dating his proposition, and confidently expecting an uprising of
the loyal masses to rally to his standard. In his frequent visits
to the commands he aroused a suspicion and many thought him
a spy. Finally he brought up at the quarters of company K,
Fiftieth Illinois infantry volunteers and expressed a desire of
enlisting as a soldier. There being a vacancy no objection was
raised to recruiting the general.
" Not to exceed an hour after his enlistment, our compa-
ny quarters was visited by a sergeant and a detail of soldiers to
arrest this man on suspicion of being a spy. As commander of
the company, 1 informed the officer in charge of the detail that
this man was now in the United States service and a member
in regular form of my company, and from all I had seen of him
he was a Veil behaved and a truly loyal man and in entertain-
ing that opinion of him I refused to surrender him to the guard,
and that was the end of it.
" The ir'^'ral (as we always called him) proved to be an
eflicient and brave soldier: he had served, under General Lewis
110
HISTORY OF THE
Wallace in the war with Mexico, had been a brigadier general
of militia in Nebraska, and expected rapid promotion in this
service, but alas, he was prone to disappointment. He knew
and talked too much for the average volunteer, and the boys
did not take kindly to him. He was ever ready and willing to
perform any and all duties when en lied upon.
" The best that could bo done for him and keep peace in
the company was to make him companv eommissarv. to look
after the drawing of ration*. In this all had implicit confi-
dence in him.
" On the 21st of January, 1862, our command was order-
ed to more active service in the field, February 6th we paid
our respects to the rebels at Fort Henry on the Tennessee river :
from there to Fort Donelson on the Cumberland river, where
we had a four day's seige, then on to Clarksville and Nashville,
Tenn., back and up the Tennessee river to Pittsburg landing,
where on the memorable 6th and 7th of April. ISO:?, ninety
thousand American boys, thousands of whom had not been out
of the school room two months, stood up resolutely on an open
plain and fired into one anothers unprotected breasts until over
twenty thousand were stretched upon the ground. This is
known io history as the bloody "battle of Shiloh,"
"The subject of this sketch passed safely through the vi-
cissitudes of these campaigns attending faithfully and strictly
to all duties imposed on him. April 18th, 1862, under the im-
mediate direction of General Halleck, an advance on Corinth.
Miss., was made, advancing cautiously by parallels, throwing np
strong earth works as we advanced. While thus engaged a
strong skirmish line was usually thrown out still farther, at
sufficient supporting distance; this was continued from parallel
to parallel until May 80, when tin- rebels evacuated Corinth.
and General Halleck's work was all for naught. May 20, 1802,
while on the skirmish line acting as sergeant of the guard, our
subject unnecessarily exposed himself and was shot through the
left mvast, the ball passing through his body, coming out near
the spinal column barely escaping the heart. Ilv? was ' borne
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
Ill
from the field and on examination the wound was pronounced
fatal with perhaps one chance in a thousand for his recovery.
"•Tie was positive himself that lie could not live and pro-
ceeded at once to give me detailed instructions as to the dispo-
sal of himself and effects. I very carefully noted all his re-
quests to the last, which was as to a large sized tree that stood
in the line of his vision. Pointing t<.> it, he said, "Bury me by
that tree; cut it :tT eight or ton foot from the ground and
.-.'mare up the stump and cut deep into its face, 'Here lies' Geo
W. Danes, who died for his country without the least regret for
the sacrifice he was making.' " 1 assured him that everything
would foe done religiously as instructed, and ashed if there was
anything further he wished me to attend to and on receiving
the answer, no, I then assured him that under no circumstances
could he die until reaction took place, which would not occur
inside of two weeks'. In this I was prompted by the doctors in
charge to make this announcement to counteract the influence
of his strong imagination, which they failed to control. I don't
know that I ever saw such an expression of disappointment as
mantled this brave soldier's countenance when I made this an-
nouncement to him,
" The result was that in a few days he was sent to the
general hospital at Cincinnati, Ohio, where through the good
care of an army nurse he was restored to duty in active field
service the following November.
" He is now a prosperous farmer near Wahoo, Nebraska
the happy father of six sons, whose mother was the army nurse
who watched and eared for him many months when he hovered
between life and death in the hospital. Further than this, ho
is basking in the sunshine of a grateful country to the tune of
eight dollars a mouth pension. lie was' a good soldier, a true
type of a good citizen.
" The old boys of company K. Fiftieth Illinois volunteers
will never forget General Danes when he called for assistance
to draw rations, repeating the call as often as fifty times a min
ute, until tli" boys for sheet relief to themselves would comply-
with his request, and to get even with him for his anno-vane^
112
HISTORY OF THE
would ask him if lie really expected to raise that million of men
he called for when lie struck St. Joseph, Missouri, assuring him
if it had not been for the kind offices of his captain he would
have been shot as a spy.
" Long live George W. Danes, the brave defender of the
flag, and his noble wife, the army nurse, is the sincere wish of
his old commander.''
On the 21st the brigade, excepting the 7th Illinois which
was on the skirmish line, wns ordered upon fatigue duty, which
consisted of clearing the ground in front of underbrush and ob-
structions which if left would assist to cover the enemy in case
of attack.
Suddenly a strong force attacked the line of skirmishers,
driving them back in confusion. The brigade on fatigue duty
having left its arms in camp. was of course compelled to fall
back. What at one moment assumed the proportions of a panic
was soon changed, through the coolness of the officers in com-
mand. -Lieut. Burnham of company C, called his men to halt,
and swinging his sword, finally attacted the attention of a por-
tion of the regiment and marched them back in good form,
an act that brought order out of chaos.
It was current at the time that Lieut. Cooper of company
II, in his retrograde movement ran astride of a little hickory
that had been twisted by cattle nibbing against it, and having
become entangled by his sword belt and unable to free himself,
commanded his company to 'malt and hold this hill at all haz-
ards."
In this skirmish company D lost a good soldier, private
Matthew J. Nelson, who was wounded and never more heard
from. His cap was found on the field and there was a report
circulated that he was carried back by the enemy and after lin-
gering a short time, died in a rebel hospital in Corinth.
About one o'clock on the morning of the 24th, Jacob
Thomas of company D, while on picket duty, was shot by a
rebel sharpshooter stationed in a tree. Lie had a close call for
the ball cut its way from the eye back to the ear. The yell that
EOse up axul escaped from Thomas' throat ami mouth will, never
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
113
be forgotten by those who heard it. The stillness of the night
was broken, the long roll was sounded, the Fiftieth sprang from
sleep into line, and the excitement communicated itself to the
rest of the troops and soon the whole command was in position
to receive the threatened attack. When the cause for the alarm
was made known the men disgusted, broke ranks and went back
to dreamland. It cannot be said that any blame could possibly
be attached to Thomas, for his vociferous shout was but the na-
tural result of a verv unhealthy surprise.
By this time the investment of Corinth had become com-
plete. Slowly but as surely as the anaconda enfolds its victim
within its deathly coil, so had the army und^r General Halleek
settled itself around the rebel stronghold. Daily the symptoms
of closing in for the death were prevalent, but each night naught
came as a result of the day's operation save the loss of a few
brave men. The spirit of battle held in-disputed sway among
the rank and file but. for some reason or other "Old Brains/' as
Hal leek had been dubbed, preferred the slow, tortuous and te-
dious way of conquering by pick and spade.
On tye morning of the 28th the brigade, under Colonel
Baldwin, was ordered to advance and after moving a short dis-
tance was halted and the Fiftieth sent out to the front about an
eighth of a mile. Th is movement developed the enemy's skir-
mish litre, which stretched along the edge of a cotton held.
With the regiment was a twelve pounder brass gun that was
-tafciohed in the centre of the regiment by the colors. The
enemv was driven back across the* held, but rallying assumed
the Offensive. Whereupon the regiment was moved back, about
one hundred feet, in the course of which \\m. S. Crafton of Co.
E, was killed, and L. Purpose, eorp'I Co. B, mortally, and W. T.
Boyles, also corporal of same company; wounded. After a few
moments tile regiment was halted and ordered to lie down. In
about twenty minutes the rebels on the other side of the field
raised a mighty yell and charged for the gun. Col. Swarthout
having returned was in command. As the yell of the enemy
reached his lines he passed along quietly saying, "Keep cool.
men, the devils are coining; remember Qlinois; aim-law; hold
it-V . .* ,
114 HISTORY OF Tilt
I
X
your fire till you see the white' of their eyes." It is impossible
to describe the stress and strain which a waiting line of men
endures under such circumstances. One of the participants has
well expressed it, he says, ''How we waited, the grip on our
muskets tightened until the strained sinews showed on our
hands and wrists. See them come; hear them yell. Oh if we
could only go and meet them how much better we would feel.
Now two pieces on our right open fire and send grape and can-
nister crashing through their ranks; they waver, they halt, but
their officers bravely rally them and once more they advance.
yelling like demons. On they come only to be treated as before
and, broken and shattered, they fall back into their works."
The ground thus occupied was held, and all night long the pick
and spade performed their mission so well that when next mor-
ning's sup rising drove away the shadows, it exposed to enemy
and friend alike, a magnificent line of breast works within a
half mile of the main line of defence around Corinth. There
was a feeling universal in the regiment that it had been sent to
the front without a due consideration of the consequences, and,
therefore, that some one had blundered, making the loss a sac-
rifice without any return. It was only through the nerve dis-
played by the men and the well exercised judgment of the Col-
onel that prevented the capture of a large part of the regiment.
As it was the assault by the enemy was desperate bevond ex-
pression. One of the most gallant men expresses his feeling's
in tersest form, Ire says, "My feelings here were that I was only
one foot high, and every bullet was coming for 7iie. I was sha-
king like a leaf, my shoes full of water, when all at once a
change came over me. Ike Ogle slapped me on the shoulder.
a giant he looked like as he shouted, 'stand up here, you Yank/
Instantly L was all right, my fear had departed, tied, vamoosed.
Can any one account for the change?''
In the evening after dark all eves were directed to the
sending up of rockets by the enemy; this evidently compre-
hended but two things, attack or retreat, but the problem was
solved the next morning by the number of explosions with-
in the Hues of the enemy, which clear! v indicated evaeua-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
11.
tion. Early in the day a large force was ordered forward, of
which the Fiftieth was a part, and marching unmolested up to
and over the works, which we found defended by another mask-
ed battery of logs, it was found that Corinth was deserted and
tin* enemy away and in full retreat. In the words of Captain
McGillicuddy, "All their tents, camp equipage and commissary
stores were piled in heaps for the torch, hut their hasty retreat
prevented them from destroying but a small portion of what
they left, and that was in the extreme south of their camp.
" There they burnt several commissary depots, and the
depot of the Mobile & Ohio railroad, three miles south of Cor-
inth. Their camp and line of fortifications were extensive and
formidable, and if the rebel army feared the result in making a
stand here. I am at a loss to know where they can select a bet-
ter place. For in the language of Gen. Bragg, "It was their
chosen place, well fortified by nature and improved by art,
away from the Federal gunboats and seige guns, and for the
first time in the history of the rebellion, that the armies had
met on an equal footing." Here they expected to repulse Hal-
leck, drive His army into the Tennessee river, and make their-
way to our land of plenty. But the reverse was the result.
They abandoned their stronghold, left hundreds of thousands
of dollars Worth of property in their enemy's hands, and in
their retreat scattered their army. Verily, verily 1 say these
secession and southern fighters are fast playing out."
The Fiftieth went into camp at a point called Price's
breast works, near the Mobile & Ohio depot, and three miles
south of Corinth. All the surroundings gave evidence of the
great haste which must have attended the retreat. Everything
in confusion ; chaos supreme: quartermaster's stores, consist-
ing of rice and molasses, bacon and other salt meats, clothing
and camp and garrison equippage in great profusion, with here
and there dead bodies to render the scene more ghastly and re-
pulsive. But the halt at Corinth was of short duration. Pur-
suit was the order of the day and for forty miles the enemy was
driven with such success that thousands of prisoners were taken,
the ground by highway and byway being-strewed with the prep-
ay
116
HISTORY OF THE
erty of the confederacy, showing clearly the haste of the retreat,
as well as the panic prevailing.
When Boonyille was reached a halt was ordered and
maintained for a few days. The service was delightful as com-
pared with the month previous. Nature was adorned in her
most beautiful garb, for June, loveliest of southern months, had
come, and tree and flower, and sonu; of bird attested to her ar-
rival. It was a relief to feel free from threatened attack, by
day or night, and there was no longer the dangerous duty of
the skirmish line, moving through woods and swamps, or across
open fields. In spirit the army was buoyant with hope and
with the knowledge of duty faithfully performed. The seizure
of Corinth, the flight of the enemy with all the attendant de-
moralization, gave current force to the thought that the war
for the maintenance of the Union was certain of a sure and
crowned success. So the days at Boonvilie were happy days,
and united with writing lnune and building bowers and avenues
of shade as protection from the burning assaults of a midday
southern sun. Just as comfort began to lie the rule of the hour
•orders came to march back to Corinth, and one morning at two
o'clock the command pulled out for a forty mile tramp. It was
a movement unattended with any other results save those inci-
dent to a dry, dusty and tortuous march. The roads were rough
hilly and dusty; the water was poor, and poor as it was. ex-
tremely hard to get, hence the suiTeriilg from heat, dust and
thirst was intense, and indeed almost unendurable, and many a
strong man was overcome and compelled to drop to the rear to
be picked up by the ambulance or wagon train. Just as the
regiment had reached a spring for which it had been for hours
looking forward to. who should ride up but the regimental quar-
termaster, with a train of supplies consisting of provisions and
whiskey, full rations of which were at once issued. Ah that
was indeed "like the shadow of a great rock in a strange hind."
Back at Corinth again, (lie regiment entered upon the daily
routine and round of camp and garrison life, made up of drUU
police ami picket duty. All possible care was taken lor the
comfort and health of the command, the constant study and
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
11'
■
effort of the officers being to that end. Nor was this labor of
love upon their part without splendid effect. Under their wise
administration the health of the men became almost, if not
fully restored. A spirit of contentment and subordination pre-
vailed, health and sobriety went hand in hand. To be com-
manded was hut to be obeyed and with alacrity. The allega-
tion is a safe one to make and stand upon, that among ail the
members of the Fiftieth there was not a single one who regret-
ted his service, or the sacrifice he was making for the unity of
the country. But while each honest heart dressed in blue
nightly laid down to rest beneath the stars, or upon the picket
line stood guardian Over flag and sleeping thousands in the
rear, there were base hearts in the north whose cowardice or
hatred of the cause, impelled them to sow the seeds of discord
and treason, whereby the nobler sowins of lovaltv would be des-
troyed by an ignoble and noxious growth. Hundreds of letters
were received denouncing the war, pronouncing it a failure, de-
claring it to be an unholy effort to destroy the unhappy and
oppressed, children of the south. Asserting that it was not a
war for the preservation of the [Jnion but rather for the up-
building of an abolition party. An assault against rather than
for the preservation of rights vouched by the constitution and
laws thereunder. In terms adulatory and specious the soldiers
were urged to desert and come home, and protection was doubly
assured them it they would but yield, to the importunate plead-
ings of those who claimed to love them. Never was effort so
wickedly and persistently made, nor with such ill result to
those who made it. Thank God the men who charged. at Don-
elson, who stood a wall of adamant at Shiloh, and whose flag
had swept forward victorious at Corinth, were far beyond and
above the blandishments of treason even though sent from Illi-
nois. Their response to all such appeals were short, sharp and
decisive. To them the call of duty was as a voice from God.
High over all considerations of ^elf, was the one great purpose
of their lives. Never to lay down their arms until treason had
been throttled to the death, and its putrid carcass consigned to
the grave of infamy without hope of resurrection. And so;
**
US , HISTORY OP THE
with one accord, they sent back their answering replies, every
line of which breathed for loyalty to the Union and death to
all traitors, their aiders and abettors. It goes without the say-
ing that never was higher test made, never nobler action in res-
ponse. That summer of 18(32 was full of peril to the cause of
good government, to the struggle for Union and flag. Xot in
peril from guns in hands of brave men in front, so much as
from the fire in the rear. The attack of the cowardly "stay at
homes;" the members of disloyal organizations in the north.
Knights of the Golden Circle, and kith and kin alike. While
these conspirators and assassins met and plotted, the brave le-
gions of the Union around their camp-fires sting the songs
which had bubbled up, out of the well-spring of patriotism,
never failing to shout until the skies resounded with melody :
" Tell the traitors all around you,
That their cruel words we know
In every battle kill our soldiers,
Bv the aid they give the foe."
And then happy in the thought of duty nobly performed, each
man a hero, and for all time to be immortal for what lie
wrought and did, wrapped his blanket about him and on the
bosom of his Mother Earth laid down to rest, and dream of
home and the beloved whose prayers went up to Heaven for the
success of the great cause for which their heroes were battling.
During the last week in June there was a rumor afloat
that the regular army was to be established upon a much larger
footing, and there was considerable talk about enlisting" as reg-
ulars, the terms being as it was alleged, $50 down, sixty days
furlough and two month's pay when the soldier rejoined his
regiment. Investigation proved the story simply a hoax.
The 4th of July was ushered in with every demonstration
of joy at hand with which to attest the patriotism of the troops.
Music, roll of drums, cannon firing and shouting made up the
early part of the programme, followed by eloquent orations
from some of the gifted speakers then in and around Conn tin
A notable speech was that by the gallant soldier. Gen, Oirlesbe.
**fi
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
119
Before the war he was noted far and near as one of the rising
men of Illinois. When war came he marched at the head of as
magnificent a body of men as ever rallied at call of native land
and whose deeds in four years of service have made the history
of the 8th Illinois infantry an imperishable part of the glory of
Illinois. Old Did:, as he was lovingly called, made a speech
that day which moved thousands as never before. Every word
uttered breathed an exalted patriotism; a love of country high-
er than life over and above all other human consideration.
Many of the Fiftieth heard him and when they returned to
camp they seized a recently captured rebel gun and fired a na-
tional salute of 85 imns. The health of the regiment was at
high tide and the Surgeons had but little to do. The weather
was oppressively hot. the musquitos innumerable and rapacious,
and the flies in swarms of myriads made life a burden.
Here for the first time was encountered upon his native
heath, the chigger. He was literally a little red devil. His
mission was to eat and die. Every soldier was a walking chisr-
ger cemetery, and until science had struggled with the knotty
problem how to do him up he was of all pests the worst. But
the Surgeons cut him off and he ceased to annoy,
On the Slh of July the following regimental order was
issued :
Headqua-rteks 50th Illinois Regimkxt, /
Corinth, }hss., July 8th, mm. \
General Orders, ) ^
No. 77. )
In compliance witli general orders Xo. 4. of July
4th, 1862, the following list of absentees from the regiment is
published. All men whose names are in tins list will report to
the headquarters within thirty days from the date of this order
or send Surgeon's certificate of disability showing that they are
unable to join their regiment. At the end of said thirty 'days
all absentees not accounted for will be published as deserters,
and if apprehended will be treated as such.
Bv order of
Lieut, Col. Wk, SWARTHOUT,
T. W. Lettox, Conrd'g Regiment,
Adjutant,
120
HISTORY OF THE
A copy of this order was sent to every absent member of
the regiment, and their friends in the different companies wrote
them urging immediate attention to the matter. The best of
resists were attained. Many returned within the time or in-
stead sent the required certificate.
The lack of vegetable food began to be apparent, and to
correct the ill effects thereby produced. Chaplain Bigger on
the 27th of July, hurried to Illinois upon a short leave of ab-
sence, for the purpose of soliciting and forwarding to camp a
needed supply of food and articles necessary for the health and
comfort of the command. His return home was heralded
through the press and e^foerwise ] depots for receiving supplies
were established and with such success that on the 9th of Au-
gust following he returned to camp and brought with him about
seventeen tons of apples, vegetables, onions, dried fruits, pick-
les, ikc.y which were carefully distributed to the companies and
were productive of the best results. The gift of the patriotic
donors was acknowledged by letters, rhymes and resolutions,
from the happy recipients. Upon the same day, August Oth, of
the return of the Chaplain, the regiment received two month's
pay. So it did not rain, it just poured.
A\ nile the Chaplain was looking after the bodily wants
of the men under his charge, lie did nut leave out of mind their
spiritual needs, and to this (jiid prayer meetings were organized.
Many from the Fiftieth, as well as other regiments, attending,
and deep was the interest manifested. There was something
wierd yet' entrancing round and about a prayer meeting in the
army. In God's first temple, beneath the shading trees, there
were nightly gathered hundreds of brave and stalwart men who
upon their bended knees appealed to their Cod to lead them
safely through war's red sea into the haven of lasting peace.
How softly broke the songs of praise upon the still night air.
The old songs, and forever new. of "'Come thou fount of every
blessing," "Am 1 a soldier of the cross,1' and that tenderest and
most soulful of all. "From Greenland's icy mountains," inter-
spersed with prayer and exhortation. If there were those who
did not believe it is nevertheless true, that seoire 1*3 were few
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
121
|
3
and far between. In the hour of danger man knows his weak-
ness and leans on God.
One of the first, and in many respects the most import-
ant, lessons learned by the army was the necessity of keeping
the camp thoroughly polished and clean. The Fiftieth was not
slow to learn and appreciate this fact so material to comfort
and to health and its camp presented a careful attention to
police details. The streets were cleaned and so were all the by-
ways. On the march from Corinth many of the wedge tents
were exchanged for Siblev's left by the enemy and these were
so built up as to be of great comfort. The inventive genius of
the men devised various schemes for betterment. The bunks
were constructed, pictures hung up, writing desks fitted up, car-
pets made of old tents laid and all kept in order.
The culinary department was under constant improve-
ment. That there was room for improvement will not be gain-
said, for it is safe to assert that when the regiment was first
organized not one in fifty had even ever attempted the role of a
cook in the most crude and elementary form. But necessity is
the mother of wit as well as of invention and under its imperi-
ous law the art of preparing food in tempting shape became
only a matter of time.
How to make Use of flour was early a problem as sticky
as it was hard of solution. At first the Hour being mixed with
water into the eonsistancy of dough, eaeh man would roll a lot
of it around a stick and hold it over or in front of the tire un-
til it was smoked and burned into something like bread. But
this was altogether too slow and in form too primative. Genius
worked out this klea: A barrel was cut in two lengthwise, a
small hole cut in the end to give draft and let out the smoke.
then it was filled with wood and plastered on the outside villi
mud, which, when burned, assumed the shape of an oven. This
idea was improved on until there was evolved out of such
means as were at hand a regularly ami well constructed cook-
ing arrangement, funuuv and all. capable of any amount of
baking and boiling. So well arranged was the culinary de-
partment that one man was able to do the co<:>king for a com-
122
HISTORY OF THE
panv. There was economy in this as the over plus of ration-
could be the better saved and constituted a .company fund,
which, at stated times, was paid in pro rata shares to each one
of the company.
The continuance of the very hot weather coupled with a
scarcity of good water seriously affected the health of the Fif-
tieth and many were down sick, this made the service of those
able for duty much more severe. The routine consisted of
brigade, camp, picket guard and fatigue duty. Water had to
be hauled from the spring, and when ever opportunity offered
brigade, regimental or company drill was in order.
Many of the regiment will recall the picket lines held by
the division during the summer of 1802. Its right lay on the
Iuka road, and it will be recalled that the orders were very
strict against permitting any one to pass through the lines
without a permit.
- By some oversight the line of the division on the right
did not join to and connect with the Iuka road and there was a
gap of about one hundred yards intervening. It was not long
before this opening was discovered and made use of by the rest-
less 'spirits inside the lines. Of. course they were soon on col-
lusive terms with the pickets and without trouble slipped by
when the backs of the otherwise watchful guard were turned
as though by common consent. Outside the lines there was an
abundance of green corn, vegetables and fruity and in considera-
tion :of favors advanced the foragers upon their return always
left a goodly supply for the valiant watchers on the picket line.
The line extended through an old .rebel camp of the
spring before and the- ground was plentifully strewn over with
large slabs of bark about eight feet long, which had been
stripped from -the trees; these were-concave in shape and made
most desirable sleeping appartments. All that was necessary
was to lie down in one half and pull the other half over, and
the covering was perfect. One of the Fiftieth tells of an in-
cident that happened on the line one morning and it is given
in his own words :
•"Hearing a noise one morning just before day I listened ;
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
138
!
I
the comrade on guard said, "hist;" we could hear the cautious
step, step of an unseen foe approaching through the mist and
foe. We held our breath and listened expecting everv moment
jin assault. When lo and behold instead of a johnny with his
gun there broke into view a magnificent turkey gobbler. There
had been numerous alarms upon the line and several of our
videtts had been shot so we did not dare to fire at him. know-
ing it would cause the long roll to sound and the whole com-
mand to turn out, and so our bird escaped, but Lord how our
mouths watered for him."
On the afternoon of the 3d of September the regiment
was marched some distance from camp and passed in review
before the commander of the division, General Davies, and re-
turning reached camp after dark.
The next day there were heavy movements of troops.
The divisions of Generals Stanley and Hamilton under com-
mand of General Kosecrans passed though the lines on the
Iuka road, evidently bound for that famous watering place dis-
tant from Corinth twenty-five miles.
The following extract from a letter of one of the regi-
ment, gives a well defined idea of the situation on September
7th: "We are," he writes, "doing picket duty with right rest-
ing on the luka road. Strong cavalry videtts of from eight
to twelve each are far out on every road leading into Corinth.
In front of each vidette a solitary cavalryman is sent out to a
point overlooking the country, whose duty it is to watch that
no one approaches without hinderanee. So expert do the
horses become that they are always on the alert. Every day
the videtts are shot at by scouting parties of the enemy.''
While matters were comparatively quiet in and around
Corinth, saving and excepting the confusion incident to the
moving of troops, the news from Iuka indicated that the enemy
was in near proximity to that point, and by the 18th of Sep-
tember it was deffiiiiiely reported that a superior force under
Price and VanDorn were rapidly concentrating in front of Gen-
eral Kosecrans with the intention of giving him battle. In
plain substantiation of this report, troops and supplies were
124
HISTORY OF THE
.
daily hurried to Rosecrans, and it was generally understood
that he had accepted the gage of battle thrown down at Iuka
by the rebel generals.
On the 20th of September the Fiftieth was moved into a
new position just south of Corinth and assigned to provost
duty. The news from the front, while conflicting, yet gave
prestage of a battle, and of what turned out to be a desperate
and bloody struggle. Heavy cannonading was of frequent re-
currence and to add to the prevailing anxiety a train villi
sixty wounded on board came in from Iuka. All at once the
news came of the attack by the enemy and of his repulse with
great loss, followed by his retreat from the field, and shortly
a iter wards, the troops engaged in that struggle were moved
back and occupied the lines around Corinth, One of the Fif-
tieth, writing of this time, says: "Our regiment is still in the
8d brigade, Col. Baldwin commanding, 2d division 16th armv
corps, (Ten. Davies; but as Genera] Kosecrans is in command of
the -2d Division army of the Mississippi we are now under him,
Hamilton's and Stanley's divisions of Roseeran's old command
have taken position upon College Hill west of Corinth.
''A few days later finds us relieved from provost duty
mid back in camp one- mile east of our old cam]), near Price's
breast works, to which point we were again removed on Oct. 1st.
Rosecr<:ns is rapidly concentrating his forces and the air is
heavy with runa rs of a coming battle. There is a something
in and about the camps which indicates trouble ahead — the
troops are quiet, tin' duties of the camp are silently performed.
Mounted officers ride hurridfy here and there, lines are
strengthened and works strengthened, the prayer meeting which
has been kept up with gratifying results, is now more largely
attended. A deep solemnity prevails, and especially was this
true of the night of the second of October. After the usual
service of song and prayer there was some talking and one of
the 57th said the indications pointed to something serious
within the next few hours. As taps were sounding the meeting
broke up and as each brave fellow took his brother by the hand
and spoke good night, some one called for a moments silence
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
125
and then said : "We will not all meet again on earth, let us do
our duty and pray that we may meet in' Heaven." And lie was
right for before another night-fall many a brave man had
passed through death's chilling waters, dead to country, but
alive to God."
> "^ '^e-sT>
M ■ ■'>'■
CHAPTER X.
The Advance of Price and YanDorn — Preparation for Battle — Rosecrans in Com-
mand— The Assault of the Third and .Repulse — Next days Terrible Strug-
gle— The Victory — The Story of the Fiftieth's Gallant Action of Officers
and men — Chaplain Bigger and General Rosecrans — Sketches and Inci-
dents of the Battle — Reports of General Davies, Colonels DitBois and
Swarthout.
*HE battle of Corinth was fought on the 3d and 4th days of
* October, 1802. The Union forces under command of
Major General W, S, Rosecrans numbered of all arms 20,-
000; the rebel forces under command of Generals Earl Van
Dorn and Sterling Price, nuniberiug, according to their own
reports, 38,000.
The rumors which followed the battle of luka were that
General Price had marched to Ripley, where he had been joined
by General Van Dorn. with all the available rebel forces in
northern Mississippi, with the design of either capturing Cor-
inth or of breaking the Union lines of communication in the
rear and thereby forcing a retreat towards Columbus, Ken-
tucky. A strong reeonnoisanee made by a heavy force of
cavalry demonstrated the presence of the enemy in battle array
and within striking distance.
Where would the blow be struck was the question at
issue. It could be delivered at Bolivar, Bethel, Jackson, or
Corinth.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTEY.
127
.
■
To sot tic the question as far as possible two divisions
iv on the 2d of October moved out some distance and troops
rt'»m Iuka and other points ordered to Corinth. At 1:30 a. m.
■! the morning of the 3d the following orders were issued by
(h-neral Rosecrans: '"There being indications of a possible at-
t'tiok on Corinth, immediately, the following disposition of
iroops will be inade: General McKean with his division will
fcup'y his present position; General Davies will occupy the
linos between the Memphis and the Columbus roads; General
Hamilton, with his division will take position between the rebel
works on the Purely and the Hamburg roads, and General Stan-
lev will hold his division in reserve at or near the old head-
quarters of Major General Grant.
"The respective division- will be formed in two lines,
the second line being either in line of battle or close column
by division as circumstances may require."'
In compliance with these orders the troops moved out at
o o'clock a. m. to the positions assigned, with 100 rounds of
ammunition and three days rations per man.
By 9 o'clock on the morning of the 3d the Union army
occupied positions as follows:
Hamilton on the right, Davies in the centre, McKean on
r ho left, with an advance of three regiments of infantry "and a
•••'•i.ion of Artillery under Coi. Oliver on the Chewalla road, at
or near Alexanders, beyond the old rebel earthworks.
The cavalry was disposed of as follows:
A battalion at Burnsville, one at Rorey's mill on the
•Jacinto and Corinth road; Col. Lee with the 7th Kansas and
|»art of the 7th Illinois at Kossuth and Bone Yard, watching
the rebel's right ilank: Col. Hatch and Captain Wilcox on the
'•ast and north fronts covering and reconnoitering. The neces-
sity for these precautionary dispositions is easily apparant for
if was not known from which direction the threatened attack
v\ould come.
The general plan was to hold the enemy at as far a dis-
tance as possible until his plans would b<> uncovered and then
to take tip a line of defense nearer Corinth.
128 HISTORY OF TIIK
Early in the forenoon the pressure upon Col. Oliver in-
dicated an advance in force and soon the purpose of the enemy
was fully developed- Heavy skirmishing as for a position was
commenced and the enemy was discovered through the openings
in solid conformations and evidently massing for a direct as-
sault upon the centre, held by General Davies. Orders were ac-
cordingly given to McKean to fall back to a strong position
outside the intrenchments, his right to rest on Davies' left, and
for Stanley to move northward and eastward en echelon with
McKean, and General Hamilton was ordered to face Chewalla
and move down so as to touch with his left the right of General
Davies. The assault upon Davies came with tremenduous force
and he was slowly pressed back, his right being hotly engaged.
Colonel Mervin's brigade was advanced to his support, and late
in the evening General Hamilton moved against the Hank of
the enemy, but his course was through woods and over broken
and rough ground, and night coming on closed the scene.
That night General Roseerans telegraphed General Grant
at Jackson as follows :
October 3d, 1862, 11:30 p. m.
'"From advanced position at exterior batteries reported
to you this morning, our troops slowly drew in and concen-
trated. The rebels attacked between railroads northwest.
Davies' division — the right of MeKean's — were the only troops
really engaged ; it was bushw hacking, our troops knowing noth-
ing of the ground, although inanv of them had been here.
Hamilton attempted to swing in from the Purdy road,
westward, but it was late in the evening and lie was too far ad-
vanced to tie- north. Our left McKean and Stanley — occupies
Price's new line ; right — Hamilton and Davies rests north of
the town on the (old) rebel works, stretched across to join
Stanley in the bottom near Hal leek's old headquarters. They
appear to be still in the angle of the road. If they fight us to-
morrow I think we shall whip them, it the}' go to attack you
we shall advance upon them. General Hackleman killed.
W. S. ROSECRANS.
To Gem-: ual Guam'.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS IXFAXTRY.
129
By this dispatch it is apparant the Teal purpose of the
enemy had as yet not been developed, but calling his generals
around him, General Rosecrans explained his plans and issued
his orders for the following day.
Briefly stated they were to rest the left of the new line
on the batteries extending from Batterv Robinett, the center
on the plight ridge north of the houses, and the right on the
high ground covering both the Pittsburg and Purely roads, while
it also covered the ridge road between them, leading to their old
camps. McKean held the extreme left, Stanley. Batteries Will-
iams and Robinett, the Memphis railroad and the Chewalla
road extending nearly to the Columbus road. Bavies was plac-
ed in the center which was retired, reaching to Battery Powell.
Hamilton held the right with Dillon's battery, supported by
two regiments, and all posted on a prolongation of Davies' line.
At the very earliest of the dawn the enemy's- artillery opened in
front of Robinett at a distance of 600 yards, but. by 7 o'clock
his batteries had been silenced by the heavy guns of the forts,
assisted by the 10th Ohio. For over an hour silence prevailed,
ominous as it always was of serious work. At nine o'clock the
heavy firing on the skirmish line proclaimed an assault. It
came, and, fell with terrific force upon Davies first, Stanley next
and Hamilton last.
In his report to General Grant, General Resecrans, refer-
ring to tjiis majestic movement of the enemy, says : "I shall
leave to pens dipped in poetic lire to inscribe the gorgeous py-
rotechny of the battle, and paint in words of lire the heroes of
this light, the details of which will be found graphically depic-
ted in the accompanying sub-reports."
The assault upon the center was so overpowering that the
line gave wav. but after falling back a short* distance was re-
formed. The enemy seeing victory within their clutch rushed
forward with yells that rose above the storm and roar of battle,
but their advantage was of but short duration, for their advance
was suddenly met by a storm of grape and by a counter charge
which drove them back in the utmost confusion.
The center, under General '-Davies, gallantly rushed for-
130
HISTORY OF THE
ward to retrieve their old line, and in a few moments Battery
Powell was again occupied and the line of the morning re-estab-
lished. The battle was over on the right.
During all this time the skirmishers on their right were
moving in our front, and about twenty minutes after their re-
pulse on the Union right, the enemy advanced in four columns
on Battery Robinett. They faced a perfect whirlwind of grape
and cannister until within fifty yards of the battery, when the
brigade supporting the battery arose and delivered "a murderous
fire of musketry, before which they reeled and fell back into the
woods. Once more they returned to the charge led by Colonel
Rogers of the 2d Texas, and so desperate and determined was
their intent that despite the slaughtering fire which met them.
their advance reached the edge of the ditch around Robinett,
the gallant Rogers sealing his valor with his blood. But h-u*
man endurance could not withstand the storm of death which
greeted them. They wavered, and at the opportune moment
the command "charge" was given and the 11th Missouri and
27tlii'Ohio sprang at them and drove them off the field at great
loss.
It was noon and the battle was over.
General Rosecrans sums up the results as follows: "We
fought Van Dorn, Price, Lovell, VTllepigue and Rust in person,-
numbering according to their own authorities 38,000 men. We
skrnallv defeated them with little more than half their number
and they Med leaving their dead and. wounded on the held.
'■The enemy's loss in killed was 1,433 officers and men.
Their loss in wounded, taking the general average, amounts to
5.002. We took 2,268 prisoners, among whom are 187 field offi-
cers, saptains and subalterns, representing 58 regiments of in-
fantry. 10 regiments of cavalry, 13. batteries of artillery and 7
battalions and 18 batteries, besides separate companies. We
took also 14 stand of colors, 2 pieces of artillery, 8,300 stand of
small arms, 45,000 rounds of ammunition and a large lot of ac-
coutrements,
* * ■& *- -* * Tt
"Our loss was 355 killed, 1,841 wounded and 354 prison-
ers and missing."
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
131
Having thus given in a general way the account of the
battle the story of the Fiftieth will be proceeded with.
The division of General Pa vies, of which the Fiftieth was
a part, was composed of three brigades. The first brigade un-
der command of Brigadier General Hackleman, including offi-
cers, numbering 1,097 men; the second brigade, under Brigadier
General Oglesby. numbered 720; the third brigade, under Col.
Baldwin., of the 57th Illinois, numbered 1,117 men and was
composed of the 7th. 50th and 57th regiments Illinois Infantry.
As will at once be observed the brigade was weak in point of
numbers.
On the morning of the Bd of October the brigade of which
the Fiftieth was a part, fell into line before daylight and stack-
ed arms. Leaving the camp in charge of those unable to march.
At daylight the command "forward" was given and the brigade
moved rapidly towards Corinth, and passed through the town
out by Fort Robiiiett and the house in the timber now known
in the history of the battle as the "White House," to a position
about two* miles out in front. A participant in this movement
and a member ot the Fiftieth, thus writes of what followed:
"While moving to the front there suddenly fell upon our
ears, low cannonading and the low sharp roll of musket firing.
Immediately the brigade was halted, and wo were thrown into
line of battle, anil in obedience to orders loaded our guns. Near
by were three pieces of artillery, being a part- of BueFs 1st Mis-
souri battery. In battle formation we marched out one and a
half miles farther to the front, and failing to discover the ene-
my we were ordered back to our original line to support the
above battery. The 7th and 57th Illinois of our brigade, had
been advanced to our left on the Chewalla road, and no sooner
had we settled into our position as a support to Bucks guns than
we heard these regiments engaged in heavy tiring. At this mo-
ment General Davies, commanding our division came galloping
up and ordered the Fiftieth forward to the support of Col. Bald-
win, commanding our brigade; We advanced on the double
quick and soon Came up to where the 7th and 57th were in line
along a ridge. Just as we arrived Cot. Baldwin was slightly
182
HISTORY OF THE
I
•
wounded in the hand but was able to direct the point where our
presence was most necessary. Upon which Col. Baldwin retired
from the field and General McArthur took command. The as-
sault by the enemy was hotly made, and his advance as hotly
contested. To add to the difficulties the 17th Wisconsin had
become broken and were retiring to the rear singly and in
squads. The men were not panic stricken nor demoralized but
were easily reformed and gave a good account of themselves the
rest of the struggle. <
"As the Fiftieth swept by into its position on the left
facing west, its ringing cheers were taken up by its associate
regiments, the 7th and 57th. Within a few moments its line
was established, skirmishers deployed, bayonets fixed, knapsacks
unslung and piled together in. front of each company, and thus
we stood waiting for the assault we had every reason to believe
would soon fall upon our brigade. Oglesby's brigade lay to the
right of our brigade, and the rebel attack first struck his center
with massive force, and though gallantly resisted, yet yielding
to superior numbers, his- troops were forced slowlv back, and as
it receded left the right of our little brigade, m the open air,
and exposed to a tremendous cross tire from a rebel battery and
force of infantry on our right and somewhat to our rear. We
held our position in the main, the right of our brigade being
refused to cover (ear rear, now heavily threatened by the rebel
infantry. But the pressure from the enemy in our front be-
comes constantly more marked and severe. Slowly our skir-
mishers are falling back. Oglesby on our right has yielded
to superior numbers and has fallen back; the roar of battle
lias passed to our rear. We are in a perilous position, and
if we maintain our ground are liable to capture. Deeming
it necessary to take up a new line in the rear, the 7th and
57th having been forced from their position on our right
Col. Swarthout, riding down the line gives the command, "At-
tention, battalion; in two ranks left face; right shoulder shift
arms; forward, double quick, march;" and leaving our knap-
sacks to the enemy we retire about an eighth of a mile, when
lie Colonel commands "iile left,'' then "by rile left into line,"
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
133
which movement was finely executed, and the boys came into
line as coolly as if on dress-parade. Our new position brings
ns facing north, with Col. Oliver of the 15th Michigan, com-
manding the second brigade of our division, in line on our right
Here we awaited the attack of the enemy which soon came
The enemy under the immediate command of Gen. Van Dorn?
in greatly superior numbers, swept forward to the attack, and
with .such force that our lines were broke]! and compelled to re-
tire, which was accomplished in good order. Our new division
formation was now as follows :
"The first brigade on the right, commanded by Gen. Hac-
kleman; the second brigade, commanded by Gen. Oglesby, in
the center, and the third brigade. Col. Baldwin, on the left, and
all facing north and north-west.
"The day had grown hot; our canteens were empty, and
we were suffering for water. Our situation was desperate in the
extreme, and it was evident from the roar of battle to our right
we were cut off, or nearly so. It was apparent that the enemy
was swinging to our rear with the intent of capturing us. To
prevent V'ns there was but one course left, and that was to at-
tack the moving lines of the enemy, break him up, and drive
him back, to cover a retreat if necessary. As the brigade pre-
pared to charge Lieut. Col. Eowett of the 7th said to his line,
J>0>
w
cannot break their line, thev can have mv life,"
The 17th Wisconsin moved' first at a sliirhtlv left oblique, fol-
lowed in close order by the 7th Illinois, the Fiftieth in rear.
"With loud cheers the gallant regiments rushed to the
attack, and their impetuous daring was fully rewarded, for the
enemy after a stubborn resistance turned and lied, closely pur-
sued, to their line of reserves. The Fiftieth reached the ridge
and halted, standing in line as a target for the enemy. Of
course the charge of the 17 th and 7th ecu Id only go so far; the
enemy falling back gathered fresh strength and soon turned
to repel the assault, which had been so gallantly made, and ad-
vancing his lines enveloped both flanks, necessarily compelling
a retrograde movement by the Union line. The Fiftieth, dur-
ing all this time was not idle, but its front lino on its knees,
1S4
HISTORY OF THE
poured lead into the advancing lines of theenemy compelling a
halt. But their greatly extended lines were rapidly pushing
past both our flanks and reaching our rear, compelled a retreat
which was accomplished in good order. It was at this moment
of the struggle that Henry J. Dailey of company A, and Mark
Spencer of company II. were killed and John Colwell of compa-
ny I), wounded. As the Fiftieth slowly fell back it had hardly
gphe an hundred feet when Corporal John W. Alexander, one of
the color bearers, bearing the State banner, fell mortally woun-
ded.. As the banner dropped from his dying hands, Corporal
David Langhlin of company B, one of the color guard and Pri-
vate C. F. Hubert of company I), sprang forward and caught
the colors, saving them from capture. Poor Alexander was
placed in as comfortable a position as possible and left to his
fate. Here Color Bearer Sinclair Watts of company K, en-
deavored to rally the men on the colors, but without success, it
being impossible to accomplish such a result. Nevertheless the
Fiftieth preserved s mething of a formation, and when it had
reached the railroad track it was met by General McArthur.
who, having assumed command of the brigade, observing the
colors with only its guard and a few men, called out as he lifted
his Scotch cap, ""What regiment is this?'' and being informed
it was the. Fiftieth lie at once, with the assistance of the officers
of the regiment, 'placed the colors in position, and in a few mo-
ments the regiment was in line and ready for work.
••So it)v as the Fiftieth was concerned, its hard fighting
was over for the day. Having reformed the battle line as the
pressure of hat tie ceased on our front, the regiments were moved
slowly by the right of companies to the rear through the camps
of Stanlev and Hamilton, back to the college buildings where
we bivouaced for the night.
"The loss sustained by the division of which the Fiftieth
was a part, was fearful to contemplate. All three of the brig-
ade commanders had been stricken down, and at least one third
of the number who went into the battle in the morning were
either dead or wounded. Under these circumstances the divis-
-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS IXFANTRY.
135
ion was placed in reserve for the next day's battle, but as the
sequel will show it was early on the battle line.
"It was a miracle that saved the brigade from capture on
the 3d; and it will undoubtedly go down into history that its
escape from capture was not only due to the skill and coolness
of the officers, but in a large sense to the splendid courage and
discipline of the rank and file.
"'To reform a broken line in the face of an advancing force
of the enemy and its fire of musketry, and to hold that line in
position, is an exhibition of valor and soldierly bearing as re-
markable as it is in operation brilliant.''
Sergeant Edwin Tyler of company C, and now of Great
Bend, Kansas, writes, under date of December 20th, 1892 :
"As to the relative service rendered by our regiment dur-
ing the time of my service with it from August 20th, 1861, to
September 27th, 1864, the battle of Corinth on October 3d and
4th, 1802 was the most severe. On the 3d while on the skirmish
line 1 saw General McArthur's horse shut down under him.
The struggle on these two days was the most sanguinary of any
battle I was in. That the regiment acted superbly with regard
to presence of mind in preserving formation and obedience to
commands equalling, tinder the trying circumstances, any regi-
ment in the service, I attribute to its drill lessons under Col.
S war thou t."
It was always the mle when the infantrv met cavalrv
going to the rear to shout out, '"enemy in front, cavalry to the
rear," and on the morning of the 3d one of the first intimations
of danger ahead came from cavalrymen passing to the rear
which made James Collins of company D. remark, :*yes. boys,
the rebels are out there, the cavalry are runninV A noble
looking young cavalryman overhearing (he remark replied, "yes
there are more-rebels out there than you will want to see."
Old Hannibal, the Colonel's famous war charger, received
his second wound in battle just as the line was crossing the
railroad.
Lieut. J. C. Rogers picked up a revolver as he went over
the railroad and handed it to Chaplain Bigger, who remarked I
1B6
HISTORY OF THE
will use it if opportunity offers. And so he would if the occa-
sion had required.
James Jimison had. a bullet pass through the bottom of
his canteen, spilling his water and leaving him high and dry:
and frantic with rage. '
P. M. Behyfher of I), and Elijah Kendall of A, were, on
the night of the 2d, sent out to strengthen the pickets. After
being relieved in the morning they tried to find their regiment,
but it had advanced to the front, and to a part of the field im-
possible for them to reach. In their search they found the reg-
imental baggage train. Dick Hardisty, regimental teamster,
proposed to them that they find and fill some barrels and. he
would haul a load of water to the regiment wherever it might
be. No sooner said than at it they went, and were soon on their
way to the front, passing through the reserve at Eobinett they
drove to the sound of battle. Meeting wounded and stragglers
O DO
they inquired for the regiment and were told that it was cap-
tured. Soon a battery came flying back, and wheeling into ac-
tion, opened fire and was replied to by a part of a rebel battery.
The result was the water supply was between two fires and mat-
ters were getting dangerously hot when an artillery officer rode
up and ordered them to "get out of this," and they got. Dick
declares to this day that he turned his team on three feet of
ground. But Kendall and Uohymer continued to search for the
regiment until they were assured of its capture when they join-
ed the 9tli Illinois and did good fighting. At night while in
search of water they suddenly came upon a camp-fire, and be-
held Captain ITaiina and the Fiftieth not over sixty yards from
the Oth. The regiment had but just arrived and were then go-
ing into bivouac.
Capt. Hanna was on Gen. Me Arthur's staff at this time.
In the history of the 7th Illinois infantry, page 96, the
action of Dimes' division on the 8<i is thus fittingly set forth:
"General Davies' division made a fearful swing to-day
During the long weary hours while his men were famishing and
dying, he fought the whole rebel army and held it in check.
"Where was Rdsecraris with Hamilton and Stanlev, when
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
13'
*
■
the second division was struggling as warriors have but few
times struggled on this continent?
"They may have been where duty called. We trust they
were. It may have been necessary for the second division to
alone stem the angry current, and to-night we feel glad that we
never let the old flag go down, but kept her up to gladden the
hearts^bi" many brave men, as their life blood ebbed away on
the field' of fearful carriage!"
There is no question but that the second division bore a
noble part that day. Its loss, terrible in fatality, attests this.
Never were braver men led by braver officers. In the very
thickest of the flight, a part of Mower's brigade was moved up
to the support of the •division, but before they could be deploy-
ed into line they became panic stricken and broke in confusion.
It was endeavoring to rally these men that Generals Hackle-
man and ( Iglesby were wounded. The former received. his death
wound while thus rallying troops to sustain his gallant brigade.
His last words were, '"I am dying, but I die for my country. If
we are victorious send my remains home, if not, bury me on
the field." •"
On some kind attentions being bestowed upon the sorely
stricken Oglesby, lie said. "Never mind me, look yonder (point-
ing to the enemy)'. T have lived to see my troops victorious."
And the* chivalric Colonel Baker, of the 2d Iowa, who fell mor-
tally hurt while charging at the head of his regiment, "I die
content," lie said. 'i have seen my regiment victorious!}" charg-
ing the enemy." 1? it any wonder thai men fought as men sel-
dom do unless inspired by such leadership. And it is to the
glory of the division also that as these no ble men went down
others a^ noble and true sprang into their places, and took up
their work where they had laid it down. Having gone into
bivouac for the night the regiment was called into line about
10 o'clock tmd marched over to the north side of Corinth, and
then again about 1 o'clock it was marched from one point to
another until n\ -iSOinthe morning it was halted near Gen-
eral Davies' headqua rtersf where officers and men were ordered
to m-t. it i.x ; „: understood that owinu: i ! the division having
(
'0
13S
HISTORY OF THE
borne tile brunt of the battle of the 3d, it would be held in it-
serve. And so the men tired and worn threw themselves down
upon the ground and fell into a dreamless sleep, only to be
awakened bv the rude sound and shock of battle -Ions before the
stars grew dim with the glory of the coming morn. For hardly
had the brave men fallen into sleep before the sky was aflame
sand the earth shaken with exploding shells from rebel batteries,
which, during the night, had been moved up and planted near
the Purdy road.
In an instant sleep had vanished and the regiment, with
the rest of the command, wide-awake was resting on its arms.
It is a difficult task to describe a bombardment and especially
when it occurs in the darkness. During the night the enemy
had planted three batteries on the ridge overlooking the town
from the west, just where the hills dip into the flat extending
to the railroad .depot, and it was these guns that opened tire at
or near 3 o'clock in the morning. There was but little time
lost in replying to this early but not unexpected assault from
the artillerv. It was 'known that the enemy in heavy mass*-
had bivouacked not six hundred yards from the Union lines,
hence the attack so early begun found the 2d division expectant
and ready. The flash of the enemv's guns clearly located their
position to be within easy range and General levies at once
ordered Lieut. Green to open tire upon them with his ten
pounder Parrot t guns, using shells with five seconds fuses. In
a few moments the enemv's hie slackened, whereupon General
Davies ordered six seconds fuses, with such effect that bv dav-
break the batteries were silenced effectually and were of no
more use during the dav.
The position assigned to the division was from the
north garden fence of the house in the rear of the earth-work.-.
and the earth-Work pierced for the six guns in command oi
Lieut. Green and an irregular line running along and across
the Purdy road to within 250 yards of the Mobile and Ohio
railroad. The total number of officers and men composing the
division on thai morning was LV2S3, with 11 gun-; and 233 artil-
lerists; men and ofUeers, and it was with this small force ;i^
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS IMANi'KY.
180
I
men, wearied and jaded from the battle of the 3d, that the de-
fense of the most vital part of the line was intrusted. Never
was trust better -rounded.
The loss sustained by the Fiftieth in the contest of the
day before had greatly weakened its lines, but nevertheless the
gallant men. under direction of their officers, took position
with that steadiness of step always the crowning characteristic
of veterans. All the men of the regiment unfit for duly were
sent, bydireetion of Surgeon Kendall, to the convalescent camp
in the rear, and among them was Lieut. W. K, Hazelwood of
company I); that company, now under Lieut. J. C. Rodgers, at
dav break occupied the mVht. In taking position the regiment
J. O O X
was formed in double column at- half distance, and advanced
about three hundred yards, where it was formed behind a slight
barricade of logs, brush, boxes and empty barrels, which exten-
ded along the Purely road and nearly facing the M. & O. rail-
road.
Col. Sweeney was in command of the first brigade, (Hac-
khumnfs); Colonel . iMersy of the second brigade, (Oglesby's)
ami Colonel Dubois of the third brigade, (Baldwin's).
The. line of defense occupied by the division was some-
what curved and was as follows,:
The first brigade with Powell's battery was on the right,
facing tie"; enemy north and north-west.; the second brigade in
the center facing north-west, and the third brigade .formed a
curve facing north-west and west; tin/ 7th Illinois on the right,
the Fiftieth Illinois in the center and tie- 57th Illinois on the
left. To the right of the 7th were two guns of hate iw 1>. 1st
Missouri artillery, protected by an earthwork, in front of which
was a ditch five feet deep and ten feet wide, lu our front the
trees had been felled and carried away, leaving the ground
thickly dotted with stumps and covered with sprouts and weeds
of tht_j past summer's growth. To the front six hundred yards.
lay the Hue of the Mobile and Ohio railroad, and the opposite
side gently sloped down to it, thus leaving the whole landscape
open to the unobstructed view of the brigade as it lay in line.
Across the low Lrrouiul in front of the brigade and distant about
140
HISTORY OF THE
a, mile, was the White House where the battle of the day before
had closed, while to the left lay in sullen majesty, Forts Wil-
liams and JRobinett. Across the open ground and in the edge
of the woods to the front and right of Davies' division, and near
where General Hackleman had met his glorious death on the Bd,
the rebel troops could be easily distinguished massing for as-
sault, as subsequently disclosed these were troops tinder the im-
mediate command of Van Dorn. And now as the hosts of trea-
son were forming for the work of death, the lines of loyalty, all
formed and ready, lay watching the dreadful preparation. There
was scarcely sound or stir among the waiting thousands: words
were spoken in whispers, and even so were the commands, when
necessary to be given. But silent as were officers and men who
made up those lines of loyal blue, they were not as dumb driven
cattle, all unconscious of the mighty and bloody drama soon to
be enacted. Each loyal heart knew full well' that soon the aw-
ful silence would be broken with the not less awful sounds of
battle, and each loyal heart in that brief time of waiting recon-
secrated itself to country and to flag. Oh sacrifice without
measure. Oh consecration to duty excelled only at Calvary,
how can words express the glories which surrounds a man wil-
ling to die for country and his fellow-man.
The morning hours had come end passed, audit was half
past eight, when heavy bodies of the enemy were observed by
the ififtieth niOving out from the woods in close column by di-
vision, preceded by a cloud of skirmishers. The course
of the movement lay across the front of the Fiftieth and
in the direction of batter}' Rohinett. The sight presented was
massive and awe inspiring. The enemy had previously shelled
the town, but with little effect, but now the movement ' began,
their gun.- opened tire with increased vigor, and the air was full
of their living missiles. On moved the enemy and the time for
the assault was now only a question of moments, and few at
that. An eye witness, and a participant, a member of the Fif-
tieth, thus graphically describes the battle scene: ''The West-
ern Sha rp- shoo tors, (etch Illinois,) of the second brigade are
out in front as skirmishers, and to their right are skirmishers
i
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTKY.
141
-■-■■
i
i
from the 7th Illinois. Xow they are engaging the skirmishers
of the advancing line, but look, look, to our front there are
three lines of battle advancing. See them rush at a double
quick over the railroad and make for the ravine in our front,
bending their heads to avoid the storm of battle. Look over at
[lobineti, see those assaulting lines, colu-mn after column ad-
vanriti^. yelling like demon-; hut look at RoMnett. she is
allaine, her guns double shotted are belching forth a perfect
avalanche,.of death dealing grape and- cannister ; how each blast
like a mighty wind sweeps the plain of every obstruction and
drives and tears its way through the solid masses, vainly strug-
gling to withstand, and m that effort falling as falls the with-
ered leaves before winter's storm. Against such a reaper of
death men stand for a moment as if paralyzed and then go
back. See that regiment (it i*> the 2d fexas.) moving to the
support of the spent and rapidly melting lines. It moves in
solid mass superbly to the front. An officer, splendidly
mounted; dashing along its front: evidently he is shouting, but
his words are swallowed nv in the battle's whirl and roar. All
at once he seizes the lieu; and facing Robinett lie leads the way
and with a rush is climbing the sides of Robinett. Xow he is
up and plants the flag he has thus bravely carried upon the top,
hut only for a moment; down go s tin.' brave officer and down
goes \]i^ Hag, one dead and the otlier a trophy : and thus fell
Rxigets of the 2d T<.xas. With his fall the assault on the
fort is checked. And now attention to our own front. Our
skirmishers are hotly engaged along the line; heavy masses are
advancing with tin; evident intention of breaking our center.
Instead of a: reserve, as we were to ho, wo are on the front and
the battle sweeps all in front and around tis. The advanc-
ing lines of the enemy have reached their skirmishers, hut there
is no halt, it melts into the* greater quantity. Our skirmishers
are ordered in. so a- to give svve^p to our artillery; they need no
second call, bn! come back with a rush; brave men they are,
but their feeble lines would b< as dust before the tornado's
breath. Not -far to our front advance in splendid array the
I.TK HIV.
V\ e can £*■ e 11"
tin
lOUCI
sun
i ;
t, as it
142
HISTOBY OF THE
flashes along the lines. We are lying down, but every eye is
fixed t<> the front, every gun is grasped with tinner hold. Up
and down the line moves the officers; in low words, but clear
and distinct, the warning orders, "nil .steady, boys, be firm, aim
lows, do not tir*1 until you hear the word." It is easy to order,
hold your fire," but in such a presence obedience is impossible;
prominent at the front is a rebel flag and Harrison Alexander
asks permission to lire at it and as he asks he fires. One shot
and the battle is on. The assaulting column hesitates and
turns back broken, when all at once, there dashes to the front,
with rallying cry, an officer mounted upon a black horse; in a
moment uaan see hearse go down, and then down gpes the flag,
in n moment up -again waving defiantly; this is the 9th Arkan-
sas, now broken and falling, and a shout runs up and down our
front. When look, look, there comes the second and third lines
the battle is not over, but jum commenced; the shoutings of
victory are silenced. Again comes tin1 warning injunction.
"Steady.) boys, aim low, don't waste a shot. Steady, boys,
steady." We are ready for them, and confident of success, when
a wf ill news -conies from, the right. We look, and as certain as
faith the word is true ! Our right brigade has been driven from
the field and Powell's splendid six gun battery is in possession
of the oraeuy. >"or is the advance stayed, but nearer and near-
er it appr< aches our right ate.! in a Aw moments it has reached
the fcwo guns on the right of the 7th. rsevCr were guns better
or more bravely defended. We can see the gunners swing their
rammers high over their heads as the enemy, yelling like de-
mons, surround and literally smother tic little, squad of men
fighting for their gun-. • See the guns are turned on the 7th.
Are our own b-mve men to be slaughtered by our own guns?
\res 'tis true, alas too true; To the gallant men of tit*' 7th no
choice ts left, ft is either to remain and die without resultant
good or else fall back anil reform. They go back in good order
by companies to the rear, double quick, and thus tic right of
the Fiftieth is left in the air, doubly exposed and Unsupported.
Lieut. J. C. Rodgers of company lb holds the perilous place: his
men ar
brave as a.nv who ever marched to death
HI
H
iev
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS IX-FANTRY
143
ask him to order them to the rear; his answer is worthy of the
immortals, "stand firm, wait for orders.''
"Well it is. a trying time. Yet we are busy; there is no
cessation in the rapid roll of musketry that sweeps our front
(dear of the enemy. To our right the tide of battle flows. The
air is heavy with signs of disaster. We must fall back or suffer
annihilation or worst — capture^ "By the right of companies to
the re&r into column," is the command, and quickly obeyed;
the enemv notice our movement and are advancing. We go
back, our formation pretty well observed, until we reach a clump
of houses. Here a halt is made and something of a line form-
ed. The 5:M Illinois of the second, brigade is to our right, and
some of the Fiftieth join with its left. The halt is only for a
few moments, when we go to the rear, on through the town in
company or in squads, when a line for a new formation is selec-
ted and we take position. Captain Haiina and Adjutant Let-
ton are especially active, and under their direction the regiment
moves into line as coolly as if upon parade.
"The enemy are now within the town. All the commis-
sary and quartermasters stores are near the Tishimingo House,
along the railroad, and covered with huge tarpaulins. Orders
have been given to burn them. The dav appears to be lost, and
Moseerans thinks he is whipped. Somehow the men do not
' think so. We know we have been pushed back, and for a time
hard pressed, but it' we are whipped Why don't the enemy come
on and finish the job. All this time the heavy seige guns under
Webster, to our right and rear are at work and playing havoc
with the enemv, who, now in complete range, are broken by this
fresh and unexpected resistance. The two batteries left on the
held, and the lost ground must be retaken, and the line is or-
dered forward. There was do delay in preparation, to the com-
mand "forward, guide center* double quick,- march," the regi-
ment responded with such alacrity that the spectacle thrilled
all our hearts and filled us with an eager desire to once more bo
in at what we now -firmly believed would be the defeat of the
enemy. How magnificently theo^d moved on the two guns in
its trout. And now the Fiftieth is inline on the left of theoiM.
114
HISTORY O-F THE
What a tumult is round and about us We are advancing over
our old ground : death is on the wing and so are the rebels."
In the language of the his-
torian of the 7th Illinois :
"The Fiftieth is makhw a
%-*N
i/7-:» .^'-- ^ ■•- -: ', l -v*"-7 ■? ,•'-—.:■» glorious charge.
- , *7 <??' . -•' , f : f? *" *•'
^ v-v"r:\ ■•■:■:•' ■•-v ;■'./ "But in all tins rush and
/-.v t >
*&&'Jy/M$. V' \ "'■' • Mf ' --' ' ■* roar of battle with God's bra-
/^J^ey_. '•". '\ r . ■ .:. j/v vest and best farting on all
*\ \ ^ "/:-^^ ^''o;
.. #
tr
/
JfeSS ^
w a
sides, we more granaiy in
"all hearts resolved. on victo-
ry or death.''
"ThankGod it was victory,
for look to our front and
right the enemy are on the
run; panic with all her
frightful train, is now our
ally and drives the so lately victorious rebel host before it as
go a frightened flock of sheep at note of danger. The two bat-
teries are ours again; the enemy, a broken and shapeless mass,
seeks cover and protection from the guns in forts and field-
What a joyous : sight, and never to be forgotten. See them go
over the railroad and then over the ridge. A short time ago
they marched with high resolve in war's wild and magnificent
array; Hags fluttering; drums beating. Now so broken, beaten
and wounded nigh unto death. We cannot pursue them past
our lines, brut we know the day* is ours; the battle won, Our
flag — so. torn and mangled with shot and shell, yet-now more
beautiful than ever before, floats over us in the sunlight of a
great victory.
"Pushing to the front we find many dead and wounded,
and numbers who have taken r< fuge in sheltered plac< s, prefer-
ing to become our prisoners rather than run the chances of es-
cape from our (ire. As the regiment in advancing, reaches our
first line of battle, a rebel captain steps from behind a hous
and speaking to Lieutenant JVC. Rodgers, says, "I have $ 'm\utu\
of men, about thirty, [desire to surrender, am.! would like a
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
Mi
I
guard to protect them," but our business is at the front, and
knowing*' {ho captain and his party will be properly taken in,
we push on.
uHad the lieutenant taken charge Of the captain and bis
men as requested, and marched tliem to the rear he would un-
doubtedlv have received favorable notice from high quarters;
rAs the line fell back to the houses the Fiftieth lost Lien-
tenant Jonas D. Corwiit, company J. and private jerry Summers
of company D, killed : and many wounded."
In the- retrograde movement by the Fiftieth into the
town, as before stated, the men took station behind houses and
other obstructions, and at this time occurred fctif incident as
related by Private Bagley of conypany B : "I was falling back
with my company," he says, "when reaching some houses some
forty yards in rear, we stopped and commenced tiring on the
advancing lines of the enemy, there was a -little fellow by me
whom i did not know at that time, he was firing and loading
rapidly: just then a ball 1 roke my ankle. As 1 went down
the little fellow attempted to lift me up, but it was no go, I was
too heavy. All this time the battle was growing hotter, and
something had to be done, so he advised me to crawl under the
house and thus escape the flying bullets. With this he started
back, the first line of the enemy b\ ing nearly on us. I com-
menced crawling towards the house but all at once the thought
came to me, 1 might get in there and my wound might disable
me so 1 could not crawl out if the enemy should set fire to the
building, sot stopped. The first line as it swept over me did
not stop nor pay any attention to me save that some of the
Johnnies pointed their guns at me;, i raised up on my side and
holding tin my hands in token of surrender said, "don't shoot
me, I am wounded." When the second line came along much
the sane-1 occurred. Then tie: third line came and halted only
a few st'ps beyond me, wlien back came a rebel captain and lay
down behind me, using me as a barricade. Suffering intensely.
1 attempted to '-hang*; my position by lifting my wounded leg,
when a shell from one of our guns burst a i'cw feet distant from
us a piee ' *»t" which struck me in the thhih eui feimi a deen crash,
*
\
146
HISTORY OF THE
at the same time tearing off one leg of the captain's pants; that
was "enough fur him, his valor oozed out and lie incontinently
ran away. Well our regiment soon charged hack and the rebels
took to tle^ woods, and 1 was picked up and carried to the hos-
pital. F<>r twenty-six years I remained without knowledge as
to who my little comrade was, but at a reunion of the regiment
a! Qumcv in 1888, 3 met him. 1 was living rny name to be res:-
istered when up stepped a comrade and said, "Comrade Bag-
ley I owe you an apology for running away and leaving you on
the field. Since that terrible day at Corinth I have never been
able to hear from you, and have always thought that I did
wrong to leave you in such a fix.'' I looked at him and lie was
the same little fellow, somewhat heavier and a good bit older,
and 1 said 1 have thought of you a thousand times, what is your
name"? '*\Yhy," he says, "1 am Hubert of D company." I said
do you remember what you said to me when you tried to help
me off the field? "No," Hubert replied, ••only that I advised
you to crawl under the house so as to be out of the way of the
flying balls." 1 said, so vou did, but there was something more
you did and 1 will never forget what vou said. You tried to
lift me up, but as 1 weighed 250 and you only about 125, you
had to give it up, hut as you let go of me, with tears running
down your cheeks, vou said "what shall I do — you're too big
and I'm too little.' "
in passing to the rear the lines were broken by houses,
fences and other obstructions, but reaching the next street Col.
DuBois, commanding the brigade, assisted by his aides, some on
foot and others on horse hack, were reforming the line on the
colors of tli-/ 7th Illinois and Fiftieth, bravely held by their re-
spective bearers, and supported by their guards. Here it was
that the gallant Captain II. L. Burnham of company C, stand-
ing near the colors said. "Sergeant hold [lie colors and I will
stand by you while I live," and was immediately struck by a
Minie-ball in the shoulder disabling him.
Here was Adjutant Letton gallantly directing the forma-
tion as h*' rode up and down the street; as also was seen some
of the hoys, having become separated from their companies.
:
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
147
formed in groups — commanded by one of their number — taking
position in the now reforming line.
In the rush and roar of the assault, the breaking of the
lines and falling hack of the divisions of Hamilton and Davies,
as heretofore described, the baggage, commissary and ammimi-
tion wagons of the brigade, and indeed of the whole army, were
placed in a most perilous position. With the brigade train
wereUnany of the wounded and disabled, all under charge of
Chaplain Bigger, than whom, there never was truer christian or
braver man. The train parked near the south edge of Corinth,
was imminently exposed, owing to the rapidly chancing condi-
tion of affairs; the tide of battle sweeping ■nearer and nearer
every moment. Just at this time several officers rode up to the
Chaplain and one of them inquired who had charge of the train,
referring to the regimental wagons. Chaplain Bigger replied
he had. Whereupon the officer declared that the Union troops
were whipped and instructed the Chaplain to burn his baggage
at once. With, the reply so characteristic of him. "We are not
whipped, sir," tiie Chaplain moved his train nearly half a mile
to the rear, and with the assistance of wagonmaster John C.
Lewis and others, he formed the wagons into a strong barricade
reaching from the hospital on the right toward College Hill on
1 CD O
the left, behind which the straggling soldiers, convalescents and
others formed, and advanced as a reserve to the support of the
brigade, then reforming in the streets of Corinth for the last
charge which .-subsequently drove the enemv from the field
and won t lie battle.
The next day calling at the Tishimingo Hotel to visit
some y>f. the wounded, an officer in heavy cape passed bv the
guard into the dining room; recognizing him as the officer who
ordered him to burn the train he inquired of the sentinel at
the door who Lie was. and, to his surprise, learned that he was
General Rosecrans.
During th** occupation of our lines by the enemy the ex-
citement at the hospital was at a high pitch, and Dr. Warren.
surgeon in chief, Leaving the hospital in charge of Surgeon Ken-
148
HISTORY ov THE
dall of the Fiftieth Illinois, fled for safety to Pittsburg land-
ing.
Describing the awful scene as presented to the eye from
the .hospital, Lieut. Ilazelwood says, "All that could be seen in
our position wore two lines of fire through which no one could
pass and live."
During the pursuit of the enemy Lieut. J. W. Anderson
bf company B, captured a rebel flag. Without stopping he
stood it up by a tree and pressed forward with his command;
when lie returned the flag was missing. Afterwards the credit
of the capture was given to another division.
It seems now to be the truth of history that the captured
trophv was carried north bv Colonel Baldwin. The fflorv of the
capture belongs to Lieut. Anderson, but another received the
credit. The war furnished many such instances however, where
results obtained by brave men in the front, were appropriated
by officers of rank or skulkers in the rear. During this advance
seventy-two prisoners and a flag were captured by company B.
The scene presented at battery B on the right of the brig-
ade after the battle, furnished startling evidence of the furious
character of the assault by the enemy, and of the equally des-
perate resistance by the battery and its slight support. In the -
ditch in front there lay twenty- two dead rebels and many woun-
ded, besides among th< guns were a number of rebels with bro-
ken and bii-tiered heads, ..Ml beai-ingtestii'iioiiy to the hot valor
which had nerved the heroic men of the battery to stand by
their guns to the hist, and the struggle to retake them. All the
horses belonging to the battery were down, a- dead or wounded
mass. With what exultant shouts did the battery hoys man
their guns, once more returned to them, and fire upon the re-
treating foe, while the dreadful scene-around them told of the
glory of the dead as well as of the valor of the living.
From a dry well n< ar the little house at the rear of the
battery, emerged a family pi father, mother and five children,
who had hastily been forced there as the bombardment began,
In explanation of the fierceness of the assault by the
enemy, composed of the Arkansas L< gion, under lien. Cabalf, ; it
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
MO
was learned through prisoners captured at the time that a
heavy ration of whiskey was issued fust before the advance to
the assault; this made a sort of fictitious valor, good for an
advance, but poor for marksmanship, and to this must be at-
tributed the slight loss sustained from the drunken effort of
the enemy to shoot straight : evidently he saw double and there-
fore shot too high.
The afternoon of the day was spent in searching the field
for the dead and living, and when- night had come the tired but
happy troops slept on the Held won by their valor.
As has been seen, the place where, and the time when the
armies of Van Dorn and Price would attack, rested alone with
these commanders, and therefore at several* points all possible
preparations were made to receive the blow. Choosing Corinth
the only course to have been pursued bv the rebel commanders
was to strike suddenly and with such power as, if possible, to
annihilate the army under Rosecrans. But the exact contrary
prevailed : the enemy delivered an assault Which, vigorous at
the onset, weakened and entirely spent itself until at last it
driveled out, ending in an ignominious defeat.
The truth is. the rebel army was poorly commanded ;
both Price and Tan Born were failures in a .'field of anything
like enlarged operations. In all Ms career Price never won a
success save at Lexington, and. tlmn by mere numbers so over-
whelmingly large as to simply insure a victory over the little
garrison commanded by tie1 gallant and ehivalric Mulligan.
Willi the Union forces at Corinth it was different. The whole
district, of which Corinth was a pari, was under the eye of
Grant, and upon him devolved; the difficult duty of guarding a
long front from attack at any one of many points, by a force
largely superior to any he might be able to concentrate. Under
him was Rosecrans who had gained some credit in 1S61, in
West Virginia, and whose recent exploit at Tuba, although bar-
ren of results, had been hailed as a victory, ^n many respects
lie possessed qualifications which crowned iiim as an ideal Gen-
eral. lbi was active and vigilant. Educated at West Point, he
was versed in logistics. lie could arm. feed and move large
150
HISTORY OF THE
bodies of men: and quick to strike, he was. as a rule, ready to
refceive the return blow. Yet with all these high qualifieatioBS.
ho \\t\d some great failings; he was swift to censure, and slow
to acknowledge an error. Himself a high figure lie grew easily
jealous of the success which came to others. At Corinth the
second division bore the whole battle on the Union side on the
first day, and never did men more nobly acquit themselves.
I Unsupported, they wore face to face with a largely superior
force, and the losses show how trie- and brave they were. Yet.
because on the second day. all support on their right gone, al-
most without, the tiring of a shot at that, it is said he railed at
them because unable to resist and save themselves from capture,
they slowly and sullenly retired to a new and stronger position,
where gathering fresh strength, they again advanced to a victo-
ry as complete as it w'as brilliant. There is no question but
that he himself Avas. to some extent, panic stricken that day, as
has been related, and as will more fully appear hereafter. Ami
this being so, it would seem but the act of a soldierly "and an
honorable man. if having in passion spoken words of ill to as
brave men as ever drew sword or handled gun in any cause, he
should at the earliest moment have retraced his angry step.- and
restored to rightful place before tin1 country, the men whom he
had maligned, even when surrounded by their dead. This he
failed to do until waiting longer would have been a crime, Gen-
eral Dasies felt impelled to address him the following letter:
Headquarters Second Division. )
Army of West Tennessee, >
Corinth, Miss., Oct. 28d, 1862. )
Major General Rosecrans,
Sir: — On the afternoon of October -1th. after the victo-
ries of that day and the 3d, you said upon the battlefield among
the piles of dead and groans of the wounded, slain by the sec-
ond division, army of the Tennessee, that they were a set of
cowards; that they never should have any military standing in
your army till they had won it on the field of battle: that they
had disgraced themselves, and no wonder the rebel army had
thrown its whole force upon it during the two days engagement.
My report is now before you. Tim effect of the official
announcement which von mad'.-, is haviuii a demoralizing erf'ect
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
151
upon .the brave men, and working injury to them throughout
the country. It has been the basis of newspaper articles and of
stricture* upon the military conduct of the division.
I would most respectfully ask for the benefit of the ser-
vice, and. for the honor of the division, that if voti have chang-
ed your opinions, you would so publicly give a refutation of
these charges*
* I am very respectfully', vour obedient servant,
THOS. A. I) A VIES.
To this came the following reply :
Headquarters Army of the Mississippi, )
Thitjd Division Djst. West Texx. \
Gexeual :
In reply to your note just received, I will say that having
read your very clear and creditable report of the operations of
your division, I am satisfied they fought very nobly the first
day, and that many of them, especially on the right, did the
same on the second day. and so much so that I shall overlook
the cowardly stampeding of those under my immediate obser-
vation on tlie second day, which gave rise to the public indigna-
tion I expressed in your presence and theirs. Assure the brave
officers and men of your division that I will endeavor to do
them public and ample justice, which will be more than all the
newspaper talk to their disparagement. You will oblige me by
making this letter known to the command, and you may use
it publicly if vou wish, while awaiting my report.
W. S. R#S£CKAm Major General.
The report referred to was made October -5th, two days
after General Davies' enter, and on the same day his congratu-
latory General Orders Xo. 125 were issued.
In his report of the first days fight it clearly appears
that Davids' division bore the head and front of the enemy's
advance and attack, and he refers to its valorous action in
terms of unstinted praise. And in closing his record of the
first day he leaves "the details of the heroic deeds of the troops
of ©avies' division * * * * to the accompany-
ing sub-reports."
Of the next day in describing the disposition of his forces
lie speaks of '"Davids' tried division'' being "placed in the c^-n-
tfT." Of the battle when it was on he savs: "] will oiilv suv
152
HISTORY OF THE
that when Price's left bore down on our center in gallant style,
their force was so overpowering that our weara d and jaded
troops yielded and fell back among the houses. I had the per-
sonal mortification of witnessing this untoward and untimely
stampede."
In his Congratulatory Order No. .152, he thus expresses
himself: *"I desire especially to offer my thanks to General
u)avies and his division, whose magnificent fighting on the 3d,
more than atones for all that was lacking on the 4th."
Such was the vindication promised General Davies. '"A
vindication that would leave the division fr^Q from the unjust
disparagement of certain of'.the public press." Such an exhibi-
tion of backing and filling, of affirming and denying, and of
praise and reproach has ran lv if ever boon witnessed.
It is enough to say in reply to his most unjust statement
that no such rout or stampede occurred as by him declared to
have happened, and it is a stain upon his own military charac-
ter which history will only make the" brighter, that he, in the
moment of victory, snatched laurels justly won, from the brows
of the brave men of the second division, but for whose brave
and determined resistance against overwhelming numbers, de-
feat instead of victory would have come.
From this part of the history of that eventful tinie it is
pleasant to tarn to the story of the battle, as told by the brave
officers of the division who held command on those two event-
ful days.
General Davie's in his report referring to his visit to the
hospital, on .the evening of the first day. to look ■& fter his Woun-
ded, thus describes the scene, as well as his after actions: "In
one room I found my three brigade commanders. Gen. Hackle-
man breathed his last while J was 'with him. Gen. Oglesby
was undergoing most exerutiating pain. Col. Baldwin was sick-
ened from the effects of his wounds. The Tishimingo Hotel
was crowded with the wounded and dying of my command. I
then reported; to Major General Rosecrans, and stated to him
that the services of in y three Brigadier (U?nerals were lost, uvanv
of no.- eilo.vr- were killed at d wound d, and the men worn out
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
158
with fatigue, and that he must not depend upon iriy command
on the follow ins: day, although the men would do all they
could. He therefore ordered me into the reserve for October 4,
and to take up my position east of the town near Major Gen-
eral Orel's headquarters. The order was executed before 12
o'clock. About 1 o'clock General Hamilton called upon me
and delivered an order from General Bosecrans that nay division
should occupy an earthwork on the north-west of the., town.
facing the Purdv road,
*
*
*
"In obedience to orders I moved my command to the po-
sition assigned. On account of the difficulty of waking up the
worn out men the movement occupied the balance of the night. "
General Davies shows clearly in his report that whatever
stampede there was happened to the right of his division, for
after describing the break and confusion on and beyond his
right, he says: "The confederates had now gained the earth-
works turned the flank of the 9th Illinois in the yard of the
house in the rear, and came in on my right flank between the
redoubt and the house and in the rear of it, and opened an en-
filading lire upon Colonel Sweeney's brigade. The troops of the
2d division, 1 regret to say, fell back, beginning from the right
to the left, some earlier than others.
The troops of Colonel Sweeney's brigade and the reserve
retired firing: as thev went, the reserve 175 yards from their line,
and were rallied by Captain Lovell. Most of Col. DuBois' brig-
ade fell back seventy-live yards and some of it farther. The
confederates took posession of the earthwork, captured the
seven guns left in it and held our whole line. Some few of
them advanced beyond it some fifty yards, but the troops hav-
ing rallied drove back the enemy with slaughter, recaptured the
guns, charged the enemy from the whole line, directing a most
murderous tire upon them, punishing them most severely for
their temerity and in the most splendid style, made J think a
suitable apology for aikl corrected, unassisted, their fault.
(10)
154
HISTORY OF THE
They continued to charge upon the enemy, cheering and yell-
ing, till tht- line had marched 150 yards in front."
* * * *• * * &
"The enemy did not gain the town on the line assigned
to this division."
And again the report referring to the last charge of the
.enemy, says :
"Colonel Johnson's confederate brigade now made its ap-
pearance out of the woods and made a second charge in front
of my line. They were received with a murderons fire. Colonel
Johnson being killed and falling from his horse the brigade
broke and the last of the charge against Corinth was enacted.
* * % * * * * *
"A new line was now formed and in half an hour from
the last assault the men were in their places and I was furn-
ished with four regiments to form a reserve line. The troops
stacked their arms, and when it was ascertained that the enemy
had abandoned the idea of future attack, the regiments bivou-
acked for the night. General Davies" reported his total casuali-
ties at 1,001, his full force on the morning of the 3rd being
8.188 officers and men, infantry and artillery. The Fiftieth Illi-
nois led all other regiments in the prisoners captured, the num-
ber being, officers two, men 14i) and one stand of colors."
In closing his report General Davies compliments the
officers in his division and thus refers to officers of the Fiftieth :
"Lieut. Colonel Swarthout, of the Fiftieth Illinois, behaved in
a gallant manner. * * * Captain Hanna as usual showed
himself to be a brave and gallant man, and worthy of promo-
tion."
The report of the first day's battle, made by Col. Bald-
win, commanding third brigade, shows the desperate nature of
the fighting participated in by his command. He says: * *
* * * * "At" 11 :80 o'clock two of my six-pounders became
disabled. The enemy came on with an overwhelming force,
turning my right. I was compelled to retire to a position about
thr>> ■-quarters of a mile, and there formed in battle line with
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. I'DS
i
two fresh regiments, the Fiftieth Illinois, and 17th Wisconsin.
It was just V2 o'clock. I called the officers together and told
them my instructions were to hold my position. We remained
there but a short time. We received a fire on our flank and
were compelled to change front parallel with and near the
Memphis and Charleston railroad. I gave them orders to do-
pend upon the bayonet. Finding myself nearly surrounded the
only: alternative was to charge, in order to gain' time to retire.
The regiments that took part in the charge were the 7th Illinois,
Colonel Babcock; 57th Illinois, Lieut. Calonel Hurlbut ; Fiftieth
Illinois, Lieut. Colonel Swarthout, and 17th Wiscousin. Colonel
Doran. It was done in splendid style, driving the enemy half
a mile. I then ordered the brigade to retire across the rail-
road."
On the morning of the 4th, Colonel John V. DuBois, 1st
Missouri light artillery, assumed command under orders from
General Bosecrans, in place of Colonel Baldwin, disabled. His
command consisted of the 7th, 50th and 57th Illinois, and that
I
morning numbered onlv 57 officers and 700 men. As the battle
progressed he reports; "My front was attacked by four regi-
ments formed with regimental front in column of attack. Gen.
Caball commanded, and his brigade consisted of the 18th, 19th,
i^lth and i'Jst Arkansas. Against this force I had only two
small regiments of less than 500 nit n, together, and one battery.
The redoubt on my right was at the same time gallantly assail-
ed. The 57th Illinois volunteers had a flank fire on this col-
umn and no enemy in their front. Everything was going on
well when some regiment to my right, (supposed to be the Union
brigade), broke in confusion. The 57th Illinois volunteers
joined them as they ran to the rear. The 7th and Fiftieth Illi-
nois gallantly maintained their old reputation.
Rank after rank were cut down, when the enemy, who
had gained a position in our rear, both on our right and left,
opened fire from the hill behind us. I tried to get the men in
column, but could not make myself heard. All my aides and
orderlies except one, were wounded or had lost their horses.
These two regiments then fell back in disorder. Colonel Bab-
i
150
HISTORY OF THE
cock and Lieut. Colonel Rowett rallied the 7th not thirty yards
in rear of the old position and drove back the enemy in front.
When again this lire from the rear was opened on us, to add to
the confusion, Lieut. Chapman, commanding company B 2d
Illinois artillery opened on us with his seige gun, killing and
wounding several men and officers. For the second break I do
not blame the men. All through the town we fought. By this
time the regiments were in small squads commanded by Ser-
geants or Lieutenants. Colonel Babcock and Lieut. Colonel
Swarthout remained with their colors. When the reaction came
the men were easily brought back. They captured many pris-
oners, and are fairly entitled to the colors picked up in front of
their line.
****** *
"The Fiftieth Illinois captured 2 commissioned officers,
149 enlisted men and 1 color.
"I regret that being personally unacquainted with the of-
ficers and men of the third brigade, I am unable to give you
the names of those worthy of particular mention. * * *
Colonel Babcock and Lieut, Col. Bowett, of the 7th, and Lieut.
Colonel Swarthout, of the Fiftieth, and Major Forsee, of the
57th, are gallant soldiers, and did all in their power to restrain
the men, and after the break, rapidly brought back their best
men, under fire. I wish particularly to call vour attention to
the gallantry and soldiership of Captain Hanna, of the Fiftieth
my aide-de-camp. * * * * Also the following non -com-
missioned officers: Sergeant Isaac I). Xewell, and Corporal
Joseph Bovdwell, color-bearers of the 7th Illinois, and Sergeant
Sinclair Watts, and Corporal David Laughlin, color-bearers of
the Fiftieth Illinois."
The following clear and soldierly report is by Lieut. Col-
onel Swarthout, commanding the regiment:
Headquarters 50th Illinois Begimext,
Near Corinth, Miss., October 18th, 1802.
Sir : — I have the honor to submit the following report of
the part taken by my command in the battle of Oct. 8 and 4:
ere ordered into line and
Fridav morning. <>•
e totter o, we «
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
lo'
n^out C o'clock started in trie direction of Corinth. The men
were provided with three days' rations in haversacks, and, ex-
pecting1'a long march, also carried their knapsaks with them.
The strength of the regiment on leaving camp was 20 commis-
sioned officers and 265 men. This does not include 20 men who
were on grand guard and not relieved in time to start with us.
Part of these afterwards fell in with us, but it is not known
how many. After passing through Corinth we were marched
some two miles to the west of town. Here we were separated
from, the brigade and ordered to report to General Pavies; who
immediately ordered me to take one section of artillery and
move forward to the rebel intrenchments. Before reaching the
intrenchments I was ordered to return, and was placed at the
cross-roads, with two sections of artillery as a reserve. After
we had been in this position for some time sharp fighting was
heard some distance to the front of us, the rebels having at-
tacked General Mc Arthur in force. I was immediately ordered
forward to his support, but did not reach the scene of action be-
fore his forces had been compelled to fall back. I had hardly
got my regiment into line when I was ordered to change posi-
tion by the left flank. After -numerous marches and counter-
marches (having changed front several times) I was at last
permitted to engage the enemy. My regiment was at this time
on the left of the brigade, with orders, in case the right was
compelled to fall back, to hold the enemy in check and cover
their retreat. My men advanced to the work in splendid style
and engaged the enemv with a determination that showedtheir
hearts we're in it. I kept up a hot lire upon, thera, pouring -in
volley after volley with deadly effect until ordered by General
MeArthur to fall back. During the engagement my officers and
men conducted themselves in a most creditable manner. Not
one did 1 see shrink from his duty, and all were reluctant to
leave the field when ordered to fall back.
My men suffered greatly during the day from heat and
want of water. Quite a number had. to be taken from the field,
some suffering from sunstroke and others from utter exhaus-
tion.
1 reached Corinth about dark' and bivouacked a mile
south of town, but. about 9 o'clock was ordered to move to the
north of town. After changing position several times the men
were permitted to lay down, but had been asleep but a few min-
utes when they were aroused by the enemy's cannon.
£ome time after daylight we were ordered to take posi-
tion in rear of seine log intrench flients. where we remained uh-
158
HISTORY OF THE
til about 10 o'clock, when the enemy were seen approaching.
As soon as they were within range I opened a heavy tire upon
them. Most of the time I had a good cross-fire and did great
execution.
After the engagement had lasted some time Colonel Du-
Bois ordered me to fall hack. For some distance my men re-
mained in good order, delivering volley after volley at the ad-
vancing rebels, hut on reaching the cross-street became entan-
gled with some other regiments and were thrown into confusion.
The officers did every tiling possible to rallv their men, but the
enemy were so close upon us and delivering such a deadly fire
among us that we were compelled to fall back again and again:
but at last they relaxed their fire for a few moments, during
which time I succeeded in rallying my men and again pushed
forward upon the enemy. They soon gave way before our well-
directed lire, and we followed them up, driving them over the
intrenchments from which they had so recently driven us and
into the woods beyond. I kept up a constant fire upon then]
until they became utterly routed.
I regret to announce the death of Jonas J). Corwin. sec-
ond lieutenant of company I. who was killed while gallantly ral-
lying his men. By his death we lost a good officer and a brave
soldier. Capt. Horace L. Burnham, one of our bravest and best
officers, was severely wounded in the right breast while driving
the rebels over the intrenchments.
xVfter the rout of the rebels 1 immediately moved forward
with my command and succeeded in capturing 2 commissioned
officers, 140 enlisted men, and 1 stand of colors.
The number of officers and men taken into action on the
morning of October 3rd, was: Officers, 20; enlisted men. 2*35.
The number on the evening of Oetober 3rd was: Officers, 17: en-
listed men, 217. The number taken into action October 4th.
was: Officers, 15; enlisted men, 210. The number of killed
and wounded in all was: Captain. 1; second lieutenants, 2;
sergeants, 2; corporals. 2, and privates, 20. Missing, 1 corporal
and 2 privates. The number that started on October 5th, was :
Officers, 14, and enlisted men, 210.
Sunday morning. October 5th, started in pursuit of the
rebels. Proceded as far as Ruekersville, fait saw nothing of the
enemy. We returned to camp on Sunday, October 12. Nothing
of importance transpired during the march. .
WILLIAM SWARTHOLT,
Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Regiment.
Col. John V. Du Bois,
Comma tiding Srlgcide.
CHAPTER XI.
The Pursuit—Tbo Battlefield— Scenes and Incidents— The March to the Hatchie
—Rout of the Rebels Complete— Crossing of the Hatchie— Foraging—
Activity of the Command— The Return — Letters from Home.
THE battle of the 4th ended at noon, the enemy being in
full retreat, Two days of hard fighting seemed a suffi-
cient reason for not at once -pressing the victory for all it
was worth. If the troops which had been but lightly engaged,
and there were several thousand of them, had at once been sent
in pursuit, there is little doubt that a rich reward would have
resulted. But a contrary course was adopted, and thus a breath-
ing spell was given to the broken and disheartened rebels, who
having come with every assurance of success were now seeking
that safety which could only accrue from flight and distance.
It is not the province of this story however, to criticise the lack
of energy displayed. At the time it seemed enough that a vic-
tory had been won of a magnitude which would entitle it to a
high plaee in history. The early morning sun of Sunday, Oct.
5th, found the Fiftieth, with the rest of the division in line of
march after the retreating enemv. . The Fiftieth was detailed
as rear guard to the second division, As the regiment passed
out of town and up the hill on the Chewalla road, the sight
presented gave full evidence of the terrible conflict of the day
before. Cannon balls and fragments of shells strewed the
ground, and everywhere lay broken muskets and accoutrements.
The brush and weeds were trampled where the contehdmg lines
i
K'o
HISTORY OF THE
had met, and there was a general scene of desolation and des-
truction stretching out upon every side. In many places the
ground was swept as if with a broom, from the storm of mis-
siles. Detachments were moving over the field where death had
held high carnival, engaged in the saddest duty which can come
to the soldier, that of collecting the dead and preparing them
for burial. Friend and foe lay side by side, after war's wild
fever, severely quiet. Many wounded who had with suffering
intense, spent the weary, dreary hours of the night, hoping,
praying for relief, now found ready hands, guided by loving
hearts, to administer to their wants, and tenderly bear them to
a hospital. As the regimen ^approached Robinett the dead lay
thicker. Where the 2d Texas so gallantly advanced to their
wild but fruitless assault, and where they were with determined
bravery, as gallantly driven back, the ground was thickly
strewn with torn and mangled men. Beyond ivobinett the reg-
iment halted for a time and there saw many dressed in blue,
dead, lying where they fell, while others gave evidence of an
awful struggle before the vital spark had been snuffed out. The
sight was terrible to look upon, and as the evidence of the
agony of death became apparent, strong men shuddered, and
sickened bv the view, turned tremblingly away, not ashamed of
the scalding tears which smote their cheeks. And yet -these
lines of brave men, dead fur their country, fold a story to be
thereafter woven into poetry and soul1;, to shine on history's
page forever and forever. A story <>f how bravely men had
stood against treason's wicked blow, and yielding life, had by
the sacrifice of all they had, helped to save the land, their na-
tive land, from destruction. Their blood enriched the soil upon
which they died, and out of their death, out of their great trial
and sacrifice, the nation they died to save was destined, under
God, to rise to heights imperial and commanding. The great-
est, purest and best government ever vouchsafed by God to
man.
"Oh if there is upon this terrestrial sphere
A boon, an ottering which Heaven holds dear,
'Tis the last libation liberty draws
From a heart that bleeds and dies in its cause."
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
161
As the regiment advanced forward a short distance it
found Vih- ground more thickly covered with dead men dressed
in grey. That slaughter had raged untrammelled was every
where apparent. The bodies lay in windrows, showing how the
Union volley after volley, had swept with decimating force
through the rebel ranks. The area upon which the battle was
fought was comparatively small, and when it is considered in
that light, and then the further fact is noted, that upon this
small plat of ground nearly 1800 were killed and more than
7500 were wounded, the horror which held high sway there
strikes the mind with, startling force. And if anything were
necessary to prove the gallant and meritorious service of the
brave second division, the evidence could easily have been gath-
ered and garnered that Sunday morning in October. But if
there still be doubt has it not already been shown that this di-
vision, numbering less than 2500 men fur duty, was opposed by
what should have been an overwhelming force of 25,000 troops,
which, if not skillfully, were truly most bravely led and direct-
ed : and that the third brigade, less than a thousand strong,
withstood the assault of this mighty force until resistance had
become absolutely impossible of further continuance, and only
then it had retired inch by inch disputing the way, the thous-
and? of dead and wounded sublimely attesting the valor of and
devotion to duty of the heroic band, of how they fought and
db-il. evidence incontestable, irrefutable, complete.
This history, however, has more to do with the Fiftieth
and its wanderings, marching and battling., what it did, saw
and accomplished. A.s it moved over the ground over which
war's wild blast had but so short a time before so rudely blown,
the thought came with oppressive sadness, that on other parts
of the1 field there lay dead and. dying, or grieviously wounded,
messmates, comrades, companions of many a march, bivouac
and camp, the dead unburied, stark and cold; the wounded suf-
fering an agony of thirst and pain, a woe unspeakable and ap-
palling. Near the White House a detachment of two hundred
of the enemy, under the protection of a flag of truce, were met,
on their wav to assist in burying their dead,, they were under a
102
HISTORY OF THE
heavy guard, but were shortly afterward turned back, General
Kosecrans refusing to receive their assistance, as will appear by
the following dispatch to General Grant:
Headquarters, Corinth,
October 5th, 1862.
Dispatch from Hamilton 11 a. m. Flag of truce from
Van Dorn requesting permission to bury the dead. Dated Che-
walla. Answered, "ample provision has been made. * * *
\V. S. ROSECRANS,
Major General.
And this further dispatch :
He AD QUAE TE B S ,
Corinth. Oct. 5th, 1862.
"Dispatch received. I sent my compliments to Major
General Van Dorn, commanding confederate forces, and told
him ample provision had been made for burial of the dead.
W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major General Grant. Major General.'*
The task of burying the rebel dead was loathsome beyond
expression. Different from the Union dead, their faces had
rapidly turned black, which gave strength to the statement
heretofore mentioned, that they were given heavy rations of
gunpowder and whiskey.
The movement of the advance was oppressively slow ; the
roads were filled with artillery, wagon trains and ambulances.
A spirit of impatience ruled the men; they were anxious to
strike the hot trail of the cneinv and reach them before they
could cross the river. Advancing eight miles the march for the
day ended, camp being established near Chewalla. The day
had not been barren of results; a large number of prisoners
had been captured, mostly stragglers and deserters, poorly clad
and half starved, they were a sight truly pitiful. Corinth pre-
sented an enticing and most inviting prize; within her bounda-
ries were immense supplies of clothing and food, all ready for
the taking., But the treasure so temptingly exposed flitted
from them as .does a Will-o'-thc-Wisp before the advancing
steps of the bewildered traveler.
Instead or j&astiiftg they were driven away wounded, and
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
163
;
sore nigh unto death; their hopes blasted; their cup of sorrow
full to overflowing.
That night they had their till from hands and hearts of
men so short a time before their mortal enemies.
A participant in the operations of the next few days
thus n.h'S the passing incidents of the march and camp:
1 ''October 6th, at 3 o'clock, the reveille is sounded; the
tired soldiers are up and hastily prepare and dispatch the mor-
ning meal of coffee, hard tack and bacon. Before day we are on
the move and the boys are happy. We begin to see the road
strewn with abandoned wagons, clothing and articles of every
description, thrown aw ay by the enemy, who, stripped for the
race, are making for the swamps and low-lands of Mississippi.
General Ilurlbut is crowding them so hard they cannot cross
Hatchie river in a direct course, but are compelled to change
their route and cross several miles above. We have had a day
of hard marching and waiting and battle formation, but in the
afternoon we are halted for refreshment, and then march to
the Tuscumbia river and go into camp for the night. By the
help of our foragers we have added to our bill of fare of coffee,
hard tack and salt pork, swee4: potatoes.
"October 7th, after a good night's rest, we are up early.
The weather is pleasant and the roads excellent. Company C
is sent back to Ghewalla and the rest of the regiment resumes
its march. The country is very hilly. The enemy have aban-
doned a great amount of camp equippage. At noon we reach
the Hatchie. The rebels have burned the bridge and a mill.
Some 150 prisoners captured this morning are sent to the rear.
There is considerable skirmishing at the front. We cross on a
temporary bridge made of lumber and logs and move three
miles further and camp. A number of the prisoners captured
this morning had some of our knapsacks. There was a rush for
them and as fast as a knapsack was identified the happy owner
plunged into its depths in search of his best girl's picture.
"October Sib. At 2 o'clock a. m. that awful disturber, the
reveille, gets in its work, and after a hasty meal off we go; pass
through Jonesboro, a. village of one store, a cotton gin and two
1U
HISTORY OF THE
or three houses; without halting we reach Ruckersville, eight
miles distant, where, dusty and travel worn, we are halted and
given time to prepare and eat our breakfast.
"While some of the boys are rumaging around a dwelling
house, a fire broke out. "How did it happen?" The division
commander must have thought some of the soldiers were guilty
for he ordered the whole division to stand at parade rest while
the suspected boys were marched under guard, twice up and
down the line. But their comrades were true as steel, for they
did not give them away. As a matter of fact we did not like to
be so careful in protecting the property of our enemies, and
therefore to even up matters, we had fresh pork and. sweet po-
tatoes for supper,. taken from a secesh who, his neighbors said,
was in the two days fight at Corinth, and had gone south with
the army as they passed two days before.
"Without cause*and against the principles of justice and
right, our brave commander, Col. Swarthout, was put under ar-
rest. He had. it is true, a part of the pork and potatoes, but
was entirely ignorant as to where the tasteful and succulent
food came from. Nevertheless, innocent as he was, he was made
the scape-goat and Major Glenn assumed command.
"October 9th. Weather delightful. Service filled with
pleasure. We remain in camp feasting on hog and sweet pota-
toes.
''October 10th. The advance of our division came in on
its return to Corinth. At 10 o'clock it began to rain and as we
moved back it grew verv muddv. A cold drizzling rain falling.
We went into camp at Jonesboro. Here Corporal Culp of com-
pany D, found six bales of cotton and an old musket hidden in
the brush. The next day resumed our march toward Pocahon-
tas. Roads fearfully muddy. Passed over the field of battle at
Hatchie river, fought on the 6th. In this battle the 28th Illi-
nois suffered severely and many rebels were drowned in attemp-
ting to cross. Sixty bodies were reported as recovered and
buried. Our march continued on to the Tuscumbia river. Six
miles beyond the division went into camp. Eleven miles from
Corinth.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
1365
"The night was cold and Ave suffered from exposure.
Many of the men were worn out, and when the morning came,
were scarcely able to resume the early march, but as we came
near to our old camping place, and the sun broke his way
through the clouds, warm and welcome, the spirits of the foot
sore and weary troops grew lighter, and with ringing step they
marched into camp south of Corinth, where was found a supply
of whiskey that had been ordered, and before breaking ranks a
ration was issued to all who desired it. Here was indeed in
store for them a welcome none can so well appreciate as a sol-
dier in the field. Letters awaited them, many directed to loved
Giles who had fallen in the fearful combats of the 3rd and 4th.
These could only be answered by surviving comrades, upon whom
would fall the sad, sad duty of writing to the bereaved ones at
home, telling them how bravely their beloved had fought and
fell. While others prepared the glad tidings of escape from
the dangers of those two fearful days. What heavy hearts
there were back in the old home, waiting with prayerful, tearful
anxiety for -news from the front: days and nights in agony in-
tense; waiting and watching for news; hearts submerged in
sorrow, hoping against hope, to be illumined with joy 'or dark-
ened with a despair unspeakable.
"When we marched out of our camp on fee morning i
>l
the BrcLj we had no idea of the terrible ordeal through which we
would be called to pass. Our tents were left standing, and our
camp was guarded by the men who were, unable to march.
When the enemy broke into Corinth on the 4th, our camp fell
into their hands, the guards being- captured and paroled. The
capturing force consisted of a squadron of cavalry led by live
brothers, who were near residents to Corinth. Among a num-
ber of the dead were found citizens who, professing loyalty, had
been fed by our troops, first having taken an oath of allegiance
to the United States. These documents were, in several instan-
ces, found on their, bodies, showing their possessors tohayebeeu
traitors in a double sense.
The morning of the 18th was spent in cleaning up and
getting readv to live again in something like comfort. It was
166
HISTORY 01? THE
general wash day. New knapsacks and underclothes were Issued
to the regiment in lieu of those lost on the 3rd, and when the
night of the 18th set the sky with sentinel stars, the Fiftieth
laid down to a restful sleep, conscious of having performed its
whole duty.
After dinner on the .14th orders were issued to strike
tents, which being obeyed, the command was marched to a camp
south of College Hill, where we bivouacked for the night, pitch-
ing our tents the following day.
About the 17th a few turbulent fellows of company D,
undoubtedly actuated by a
spirit of jealousy, circulated
a petition calling upon Lieu-
tenant Rodgers to resign.
The next day the Lieutenant
marched the company to the
headquarters of Lieut. Col.
S war thou t, commanding the
regiment, and there having
brought them to a halt and
front, tendered his resigna-
tion. The Lieut. Colonel,
Capt. Ha una and. others, in-
cluding a number of compa-
ny I), protested against his
action, but Lieut. Rodgers,
who was a high spirited man,
was implacably determined, and there being no other way out
of the trouble, his resignation was accepted and his company
and. regiment lost the services of a brave and gallant officer and
christian gentleman.
Within less than a month he enlisted as a private in the
12th Illinois cavalry, and remained to the end of the war in
that regiment, rising to a second lieutenantcy, refusing all after
proifers of promotion, being mustered out May 29, 1600.
This day, Oct. 18th, Major Glenn left for home, his resig-
nation having been accepted to take effect October 9th. At
LIET'T. .7. C RODGERS.
,
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
If
» I
I
dress parade orders were read to reduce camp equippage to two
tents to a company, to have five days rations on hand, with 40
rounds of ammunition.
Under orders the 22nd and 81st Ohio volunteers joined
the brigade, thus materially strengthening it. The brigade is
now under command of Col. A. J. Babcoek of the 7th Illinois.
The dissatisfaction over the infamous assault made bv
General Rosecrans on the second division, grew with each day,
more intense, and especially so when his so called congratula-
tory order was issued. Instead of acknowledging his error, and
thereby retrieving, as far as possible, the great wrong he had
in a moment of passion committed, he glossed the matter with
specious words. He withdrew the wasp but left the sting. Pa-
pers in the north, and the Cincinnati Commercial especially,
gave current, with a gross misrepresentation of facts, the calum-
ny uttered by Rosecrans. As has been before remarked in this
work, the wrathful words uttered by the General commanding,
were wholly unjust and unjustifiable. And he only added to
the injury when speaking of the second division he said, "1 de-
sire especially to offer my thanks to General Davies and his di-
vision, whose magnificent fighting on the 8ifd more than atoned
for all that was lacking on the 4th." What was "lacking on
the 4th," is not made known, and is in every respect, a gross
and wicked inuendo. It leads the mind to the only alternative
of cowardice, failure, reproach.
Is it any wonder that brave men thus maligned, should
not only enter their indignant protest, but that they should
feel deeply aggrieved? One of the Fiftieth writing October 23rd,
1SG2, thus bespeaks the common feeling:
''The second and sixth divisions did all, or nearly so, of
the fighting on Friday, and the hardest on Saturday, yet I have
heard that General Roseerans declared on the field, after the
victory had been won, that the second division was a disgrace
to his army. Now if the five thousand men, making up these
two divisions, fighting against twenty thousand, and holding
them, not in check, but driving them from the held, is a dis-
grace to the army; if fighting two days while men are falling
r,|
\ /
108
HISTORY OF THE
not only from the terrific assault m front, but from want of
water, with nearly 15,000 in supporting distance resting- on
their arms; if all this be a matter fit for such a charge, then
the second division did disgrace itself, and is unworthy of sol-
dierly fellowship. But I do not think it lias won, nor is enti-
tled to wear any such reproach."
Commenting upon the same circumstance, another sol-
dier graphically presents the case. Referring to the charge
that the men of the division failed on Saturday, this soldier,
who was fully advised as to the battle and all its details, writes
after the so called congratulatorv order was issued, as follows:
"They did fail, no one ever dared to, or attempted to ex-
plain or deny. They did fail to do what they should have done,
namely — there was captured by the whole army of Rosecrans
2268 prisoners, and the second division, (l)avies') captured 1400
of that number, mostly on the 4th, they should have captured
the whole. Then again the whole army captured fourteen stands
of colors ; Davies1 division captured ten of these on the 4th, they
should have taken all. They fought Van Dorn and Price's ar-
my on the 3rd alone and whipped them; this was right. On the
4th they fought with others and whipped the enemy; they
should have done it alone, and would have done so but for the
giving away of troops on their right flank, (nanie3 I will not
mention). Inow the second division well knows they should
have done all these things alone, and they must throw them-
selves upon the clemency of a forgiving country. The throb-
bing patriot's heart will have some sympathy and the facts will
"atone" for the short-comings of the second division, when they
are told that they went into action on the Brd with 2925 officers
and nu-n, the balance of the division being detailed in and about
Corinth, and that they lost 75 officers ; total loss 1004. For-
give these "lacking" and erring boys of the north-west, for next
time they will try and do better. Papers which published Gen.
Rosecrans address will confer a favor upon the 7th, 9th, 12th,
50th, 52nd, 57th and 53th Illinois regiments, the 2nd, 7th, 12th
and 14th Iowa, 14th Mo., and 1st Mo. artillery, and the 22nd and
81st Ohio of Daves' division, by publishing this,"
FitftfiETH tLLINOtS INFANTRY
m
Here the story of current transactions as they occurred
each day is resumed :
"October 19th. Captain Gaines and privates Stauffer and
Thomas, two wounded soldiers of company D, returned to their
command.
"October 22nd. Twenty-one recruits join the regiment and
at dress parade orders are read relative to opportunity for trans-
fer from the regiment to the artillery or cavalry service.
'"October 23rd. Negroes, of whom there is a swarm in camp,
are put to work tearing down some out-works in front. It does
us good to know that at last the government has resolved upon
utilizing the "contraband" and thus relieving the soldier from
some of the labor he has hitherto been called upon to perform.
"October 25th. Was very cold, drizzly and at times sleet
falling. Last night snow fell for three hours, and pickets and
guards suffered while on duty.
"October 27th. We learn to-day that General Kosecrans is
ordered to Kentucky, which is good news to the second division m
Captain Hanna returned from Paducah to-day, where he had
been to look up clothing left by the regiment on its way to Fts.
Henry and Donelson. His mission was fruitless, as no clothing
could be found.
"October 28th. Reports are rife that Price is on his way
to try us again. Tf he does he will find our welcome hotter
than it was before, for Corinth is in a far better shape for de-
fense than when he paid his visit before. It is reported that
Price sent in a flag of truce this afternoon requesting General
Kosecrans to remove all non-combatants to a place of safety.
Several transfers to the artillery have already been made.
November 1st. General G. M. Dodge assumes command of
the division, instead of General Sweeney, and Colonel Baldwin
of the third brigade.
"November 2nd. Sunday morning inspection has come
and gone, the regiment receiving due praise for its orderly and
cleanly appearance. Just as the noon hour arrived orders are
received to move at 1 p. m., and at that hour the regiment
moves out of camp, and from thence we go until halted on our
(ii)
*
170
HISTORY Of1 THE
battle ground of October 4th, where we pitch our tents, and at
once go to work on the fortifications, then building nearly on the
line with that held by the brigade October 4th. There is general
expectation that we will soon be attacked by Price, and in con-
templation of that important fact, dirt is flying, and the line of
defense rapidly assumes proper proportions.
"In our camp are the graves of several of the 2nd and 7th
Iowa, bat lightly covered with earth. The remains of these
dead heroes will be removed and placed in better location, and
their mounds marked so as to be hereafter the mure readily dis-
covered by friends."
From the 2nd to the 7th of November the work on the for-
tifications were pressed to completion. Each day heavy details
worked as seldom men do, and with such effect that when the
shadows of the evening of the 7th darkened earth and sky, the
town of Corinth was a very Gibraltar in strength. All fear of
an attack had been given to the winds, and it would have in-
deed been welcome news had it been heralded along the lines
that Price was moving to the assault. The work of construc-
tion was systematically apportioned, and thus moved onward
with regular step.
A large squad was each morning detailed for fatigue duty
a part to cut and ha\il timbers to camp, others to clear up the
grounds, others to draw water for the use of the comp. And so
the cleaning up and removal of rubbish, and the establishment
of sanitary measures occupied the time and close attention, of
the officers of both the brigade and regiment. A year's experi-
ence in the field of active opperations has been fruitful of re-
sults, for among other things, it has taught the men of the Fif-
tieth how necessary to health and comfort are cleanly ways and
habits. .
Those October and early November days of 1862, are fill-
ed with pleasant memories. There was plenty to eat, the
weather was, as a rule, all that could be desired. The air soft
and hazy, the breeze balmy, making up in all a perfect picture
of that most delightful portion of the year, Indian Summer:
and added to this was another cause for grateful feeling, and
MFTiRTti ILLINOIS 1X1 ANTRY.
171
.
that was, the health .of the arm}' was most excellent. Ah those
were days ever to be of blessed memory. No matter if the ser-
yice wjis heavy, and at times oppressively so, there yet was time
to visit from camp to camp, to gather in great companies and
sing until the sky was filled with the melody of the sweet songs
of home, or thrilled with the shouting cries of loyalty for coun-
try and love for flag. Those were days when the mails were
heavy with loving and tender missives from home or from
camp, and every one who was in service — at Corinth — at that
time will recall to mind as of yesterday, how strong heart toned
a shout went up as the train, bearing letters from home, rolled
slowly in ; and then when opened and delivered to tile eager,
pressing, anxious throng, how joyous the look of the fortunate
one, and how deep the depressing air and action of the one for-
gotten; but in all probability he would be the favored one at
the arrival of the next mail, and then farewell to all past reflec-
tion against the beloved -ones' at home for seeming neglect.
And now rumors of a change in the regiment's line of
duty became current through the camp ; one of the many being
that the Fiftieth was to relieve the 57th Illinois as provost
guard in Corinth. This last, in time, proved true, for on the
Sth of November, in pursuance of orders, General Dodge as-
sumed command of Corinth and the second division.
The Fiftieth relieving the 57th Illinois, became the pro-
vost guard, the duty being highly responsible, but at the same
time very pleasant to perform. During the period following
the battles of the 3rd and 4th, the numbers of contrabands
flocking into camp daily increased, until the question what to
do with the helpless but confiding people, became a serious one,
difficult of solution. Food and shelter were absolute require-
ments, and especially the latter ; for of the former there was an
abundance. Details were, therefore, sent out for lumber, and
especially to the Davenport mills, where a large quantity of
lumber was said to be stored. Out of the material thus obtain-
ed, comfortable quarters were established for the black people,
who with a faith as sublime as it was trusting, had laid hold of
172
HISTORY OF THE
the horns on the altar of freedom, and would not let go without
the blessing.
The transfer of the regiment to its new duty and location
was attended without further incident, and it having become
understood that our stay here would possibly be for some length
of time, the new camp was carefully laid out. with a special view
to neatness, as well as health. In going into camp the rule was
for companies to locate according to rank of the commanding
officers, and so remain until camp is broken by another move,
notwithstanding changes by death or resignation may have in-
tervened.
The time passed pleasantly away. On the evening of the
14th Colonel Bane addressed the regiment upon the events of
the past few months, and on the same evening Lieut. Colonel
Swarthout informed his comrades that he would shortly leave
for his home at Quincy, for the purpose, if possible, of regain-
ing his health. This announcement was received by the regi-
ment with a degree of sadness, which, while it touched the
heart of the Colonel, at the same time was a warm tribute to
his name and character as a soldier and commander. That he
was indeed in ill health, was past conjecture. , It was certain
and apparent, and the whole regiment felt, as it looked upon
him. so weal" and worn in his GOniitry's service, that he would
never return. As one of the boys expressed it: ':It is feared
that we will have to lose him on account of ill health." He
left for home upon the next day, and from that time his active
connection with the regiment ceased.
Changes in the regiment came rapidly to the front.
Captain Gaines of company D, acting Major, on the 20th re-
ceived his commission as Major, as did also W. S. Wait, 1st
Sergeant company II, as Captain. Lieut. Hazelwood and his
2d Lieutenant of company D, having resigned, the company was
left in command of Sergeant Rickart, in every way well quali-
fied for the trust thus suddenly thrust upon him.
Of one thing the Fiftieth will always be proud. It had,
not only n fighting but a praying preacher for Chaplain. His
actions at Corinth during the battle have already been noted
fe
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
178
and more will follow. Quick to raise the arm of flesh in de-
fence of country, when the battle's fever was past, he laid aside
the implements of war, and with the same devotion to duty, the
same loyalty of spirit he raised on high the Cross of Christ,
bidding the sin stricken to look thereon and live. So he ful-
filled his duty in a double sense, thus differing widely from
many of his rank and calling, who were visible around hospi-
tals, where there was safety and plenty, and invisible on the
field, where there was danger and scarcity of everything save
Minie's and cannister. Now that camp was once more estab-
lished upon something like a permanent basis, Chaplain Bigger
resumed the regular routine of divine service, on Sundays,
prayer meetings on ■ a week-day night, and visits to the sick,
accompanied by the administration of consolation to the dying
or of hope to the disconsolate and distressed in body and mind.
On the 23rd he preached a powerful discourse to the
whole regiment, reviewing the story of the last month.
After dress parade the regiment was addressed by Colonel
Bane in such an eloquent yet modest manner that the hearts of
all were touched as with fire. Here the narrative of events, as
thev daily occurred, is resumed :
''November 25th. Reported that the rebel Gen. Bragg is
crossing the Tennessee river with 80,000 men of all arms, but
later reports coming in, the rumor is exploded into thin air.
But while Bragg is not to be feared, the incessant and unremit-
ting activity of large bands of guerrillas is felt, and grievously
so. The outposts are in constant danger from attack and cap-
ture, and the utmost vigilance is required in order that their
attacks may be met and handled.
''News of the capture of Henderson station with a com-
pany of sixty men, acting as guard, is brought in and is a mat-
ter of much comment, the general opinion being that the Union
force was careless, and therefore an easy prey to the vigilant
and active enemy.
"November 28th, Companies A, D, K and I are ordered
as an escort to a wagon train bound for Lagrange, Tennessee,
but onlv reached Pocahontas, twrntv-two miles from Corinth
1 4
HISTORY OF THE
where, owing to the rapid approach of Forrest, the train and
guard are ordered back/arriving on the 30th.
"December 1st to 12th. Changeable weather. The regi-
ment is doing provost and grand guard duty, also the usual fa-
tigue duty incident to camp life. The forenoon is given to
company and squad, and the afternoon to regimental and brig-
ade drill.
"On the 18th Captain H. L. Burnhain returned to the
regiment, having been north, wounded. He is not, by any
means, restored to health, but is anxious to be with his com-
mand.
"On the following day commissions were received for
Lieut. J. Y\\ Rickart and Charles H. Floyd of company D. No-
thing of interest transpired save plenty of work and drill.
"December 17th. Order Xo. 10, December, 1862, issued
by the War Department, read at dress parade, by which the
western armies are formed into five corps. The 18th under
Major General John A. McClemand, the 14th under Major
General George H. Thomas, the 15th under Major General Win.
T. Sherman, the 16th under Major General Hurlbut, and the
17th under Major General MePherson.
"December 18th. At 7 o'clock p, in., without warning,
the regiment receives marching orders, to be ready within an
hour, with three days' rations in haversacks. AM is confusion,
bustle and excitement, and at 10 o'clock, after being in ranks
over an hour, we are on the road to Purdy, Tennessee, 30 miles
from Corinth. All the available force at Corinth is on the
V
move, under 'command of General G.M.Dodge. We are to
learn now what "kind of a commander we have in the person of
General Dodge. We marched all night and until 8 o'clock on
the morning of the 19th.
"In the early morning, those not too tired, breakfasted
and at 8:30 the command moved forward. At 10 o'clock Purdy
was reached, and a halt for dinner, after which the march was
resumed for Lexington, Tennessee, 65 miles from Corinth. At
the end of a 15 mile tramp we go into camp, having made 45
miles io 'J\ hours of marching We I
>egin io
think that tin.- i:
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
175
a sure enough forced march, and that we have a leader full of
go and grit. One of the boys, Bill Northrup, was always wide-
awake for anything like fun. Never too tired for a joke, always
on the lookout for the funny and amusing side of things. Ob-
serving the General riding toward us as we lay along the road-
side resting, Bill called out, "Boys, look at the General coming,
watch him riding all over his horse." The General rode a very
tine and rapid walking horse. It was his custom when in a
thoughtful mood riding, to swing his arms and move his legs
forward and back, as if walking very fast. All this, however,
in time with the motion of his horse. His peculiar manner of
riding a horse at a walk was never passed unnoticed, if there
were any around to observe, and always gave one the impression
that his horse did not go fast enough and he was pushing him
on. He wore at this time a black, slouch hat, and had on an
immense pair of cavalry boots that reached, his pants being
tucked inside, far above his knees.
As he approached Bill said, "Boys we'll see what kind of
stuff he is made of," and as he drew near, Bill called out in a
deep voice, "come out of them boots, I know you're there."
Every one was quiet and at that moment, intense in interest as
to the outcome of Bill's test. The General hastily caught up
his reins and straightened up, looked" around, when observing
Bill and his comrades, he, with a pleasant smile and a bow,
passed on to the front. t;Me'll do," came from Bill, and in-
stantly the air was filled with resounding cheers. Crude and
simple as was Bill's test, yet it performed its mission, for in the
smile and bow to Bill and his companions, the General disclos*
ed the possession of those warm hearted sentiments towards his
command which, with the coming trials and .experiences, en-
deared him to the men, and made him indeed their cherished
commander.
The story of his rise in official position is pleasant read-
ing. When General Grant was moving in one of his early ex-
cursions against the enemy, he ordered a young Colonel, who
had been rebuilding roads and bridges in the front so rapidly
that the main army could hardly keep up with him, to report
3 7«*5
HISTORY OF THE
to him at the rear. This order was subject to several interpret-
ings. It might be of honor, and it might be of disgrace, but all
the same the young officer reported, when General Grant said
to him : "Colonel Dodge I am going to make you a Brigadier
General and put you in command of the advance, and I don't
want you to "holler" unless you are hurt."
Of course Colonel, now General Dodge, was greatly re-
lieved, and though he has been hurt severely several times, he
never "hollered.'"
"December 20th. There is some risk attending this
march, for the country is full of guerrillas under Roddv. and
regulars under Forrest, and the boys out foraging, are frequent-
ly i i red upon from an unseen foe. At noon we reach a small
village called Jack Creek, and capture a rebel flag, take our
dinner, and then forward, quick step, for 7 miles, and go into
camp for the night.
"On the 21st we reach Lexington at noon, but find no
enemy. Resume our inarch and reach a small place named
Finch, where we camp. We are now on half rations, but with
what we find in the country we fare well and do not complain.
"The General has furnished further evidence to an al-
ready well established fact: that while he has a command that
can move quickly, yet it is an impossible matter to overtake
cavalry with infantry. Hearing of our approach, the enemy
have skedaddled from Jackson, as well as from our own front.
The men are foot-sore and wearv. so commencing his return
movement, he sets out for Henderson station, on the B, and 0.
R. R., distant 25 miles, and north of Corinth 45 miles, arriving
after a march of Id miles, at Forked Deer creek. We halt for din-
ner, and while there a citizen, with more spirit than discretion,
made his appearance and gave three cheers for Jeff. Davis. He
was taken in out of the wet, and everything he was possessed of
confiscated. In the evening we camped four miles from Hen-
derson.
"December 23rd. We start early, cross Beach river on n
pontoon made of the broken bridge. This is our first pontoon.
We have of course, heard of them, but this one vve helped to
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY,
177
make. The General seems to know how to set through or over
obstacles. Over the river safely, we swing out for Henderson,
where we find the train being boarded by the first brigade, Gen.
Sweeney, so we will have to wait until it returns. This point
is well fortified, but Forrest, in one of his dashing raids, cap-
tured it a month ago.
"Our train returns about 2 p. ni., and at G p. tri., we are
in Corinth,
"Our coming is greeted by cheering and other demon-
strations of joy on the part of those who were left behind, and
who have felt anxious, not only at our absence, but also from
the fact that our railroad conueetions at. the rear have been cut.
and we are therefore, isolated from the world. The troops had
been expecting a bountiful supply of good things from home
for the Christmas times, but Forrest with his troopers, has al-
most undisputed control of our rear, especially between Corinth
and Memphis, Tenn.. and Columbus. Ky. The situation is far
from satisfactory ; the command is on half rations, and the
prospects for improvement not over assuring, for as fast as a
break on the line is restored the rebels strike another point,
and the trouble is on again."
KelVrring to these conditions the gallant Captain Mc-
Gillicuddy writes at the time.
The regiment is now under command of Major Gaines,
"Captain Manna is on General LK>dge*s si ail', and teece is gen-
eral good health prevailing ; the one complaint is that rations
are short, and this is the more aggravating because, but for the
rebels Roddy and Forrest, there would be an abundance, for the
country abounds in plenty, especially of geese, chickens and
sweet potatoes/'
If. however, the geese were all as. aged and rebellious as
the one Major Gaines captured, the fewer of them in camp
the better, for as the story went, it took both him and his cook
an hour to skin it and then it was "foraged'' by one of company
G, and it is attested by reliable witnesses that after cooking it
two days, the boys gave it away to company B for a foot ball.
When Christmas came there was no evidence in si&ht
. «r
ITS
HISTORY OF THE
that Santa Glaus had paid the camp a visit during the silent
watches of the night. So it is related that to relieve the dull-
ness the boys visited the sutlers, and as a result, the brandy
peaches suffered, as did some of the captors the next day. At
night a jubilee was held, and as good a time as possible was
had. Yet falling far short of what had been anticipated. On the
27th however, the regiment went out as guard for a foraging
train, and brought back a supply of potatoes, chickens, etc.
Every possible opportunity was taken advantage of to
secure supplies from the country round about, and so when on
the ni^ht of the 31st, the officers gave a ball at the Tishiminsro
Hotel, the ladies being escorted from the country, the guards
sent after them took everything in sis?ht that was eatable.
January 1st, 1S03. The proclamation of President Lin-
coln, breaking the shackles and liberating the slaves, was this
day promulgated, and 4,000,000 souls are freed before God, and
the world.. There were over 2000 black men and women in
Corinth on that day, and they held a jubilee, during which a
flag was presented to them, speeches were made and songs
sung until the glad acclaim of freedom pierced the sky. Many
a prayer was devoutly offered up from hearts long oppressed
with slavery's blighting and damning touch and power. By
that proclamation the declaration of independence became an
accomplished fact, wherein il declared the equality of all men
before the law, and their unqualified right, to ''life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness."
Before its magnificent utterances all other acts pale into
insignificance, for by its utterance was set the seal of success
upon the arms of the nation, on land and sea. The world bow-
ed in reverence to that lofty spirit from whose great heart it
had sprung into being, and ever since, and always will pay obei-
sance to Abraham Lincoln, Emancipator and Martyr.
The first days of the new year were devoid of action or
interest; the broken connections had been restored, and on the
5th a train rolled in from Jackson, Tennessee, with a large mail.
On the following day another train arrived from Memphis, with
a partial supply of food, so the troops were still compelled to
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
179
forage. General Grant had, some days before, issued an order
that in all cases at least 60 days provisions should be left with
each family, and it was carried out as nearly as possible.
A member of the Fiftieth thus writes from his diary:
"January 7th. Received a large mail. Preaching by
Rev. Archer. Still on half rations.
''January 9th. To-day at noon the long roll sounded.
Quickly the boys got into line, eager for something to do, but
it was a false alarm. The monotony was however relieved by
the return of the 27th, 39th and (53rd Ohio regiments, bringing
with them a large squad of prisoners.
"January 11th. We were pleased with a visit from our
(•Id Adjutant. T. Jeff Brown, who met with a hearty welcome.
Full rations were issued which makes this a day long to be re-
membered.
"January 13th. 03rd Indiana, 47th Illinois and 8th Wis-
consin, (the Eagle regiment.) marched into Corinth to-day
Five miles out had a smart skirmish with the enemy and lost
fifteen of their men as prisoners. Strong detachments of garri-
son troops are sent out daily on foraging expeditions.
"January 26th. We are again on half rations and draw-
ing our supplies from our old route via Tennessee river. Troops
paid oil" to-day.
"January 27th. Fart of the regiment, not on provost
duty, starts for Hamburg landing at daylight as guard to the
train. The trip occupied two days. Lieut. Colonel Swarthout
and wife arrived in camp from Illinois. The Colonel is sick
and is compelled to take quarters at the hospital.. ■
■ 'The prayer meetings are still in progress, being held in
town. The one nearest our camp is held in a small house, and
is crowded every night by members of the 7th, 12th and Fifti-
eth Illinois, and there is an unusual interest manifested.
"January 29th. This evening the officers of the Illinois
regiments met in Music Hall, Corinth, to express their views
upon the affairs in Illinois, and the war, and to show our
friends at home that we are in favor of a vigorous prosecution
of tin1 war, and will stand bv our President and Dick Yates in
180
HISTORY OF THE
their efforts to prosecute the war to a successful termination,
that the Union may be preserved.
"On motion of Colonel Chetlain, of the 12th Illinois Inf. }
commanding the post, Colonel M. M. Bane, 50th Illinois Inf.,
commanding 3rd brigade, Lieut, Colonel Wilcox, 52nd Illinois
Inf., Colonel Burk, 66th Illinois Inf., sharp shooters, Colonel
A. J. Babcoek, 7th Illinois Inf., Colonel Augustus Mercer, 9th
Illinois Inf., commanding 2nd brigade, and Lieut Colonel Mor-
rill, 64th Illinois Inf., were appointed a committee to draft
resolutions and submitted the following :
Whereas, Our government is now engaged in a struggle
for the perpetuation of every right dear to us as American citi-
zens, and requires the efforts of all good, true and loyal men in
its behalf; and
Whereas, We behold with deep regret, the bitter parti-
san spirit that is becoming dangerously vindictive and mali-
cious in our State, the tendency of which is to frustrate the
plans of the federal and state authorities in their efforts to sup-
press this infamous rebellion; therefore
Resolved, That having pledged ourselves with our most
cherished interests in the service of our common country, in
this hour of national peril, we ask our friends at home to lav-
aside all petty jealousies and party animosities, and as one man
stand by us in upholding the President in his war measures, in
maintaining the authority and the dignity of the government,
and in unfurling again the glorious emblem of our nationality
over every city and town of rebekloin.
Resolved, That we tender to Governor Yates and Adjutant
General Fuller, our warmest thanks for their untiring zeal
in organizing, arming and equipping the army Illinois has sent
to the field, and for their timely attention to the wants of our
sick and wounded soldiers, and we assure them of our steady and
warm support in their efforts to maintain for Illinois the proud
position of pre-eminent loyalty which she now occupies.
Resolved, That we have watched the traitorous conduct
of those members of the Illinois legislature who misrepresent
their constituents — who have been proposing a cessation of the
war, avowedly to arrange terms of peace, but really to give time
for the exhausted rebels to recover strength, and to renew their
plottings to divest Governor Yates of the right and authority
invested in him by our state constitution and haws; and te
them we enlmlv and firmly say, beware of the1 terrible retribu-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
181
Hon that is falling upon your coadjutors at the south, and that
as your crime is ten-fold blacker it will smite you with ten-fold
more horrors, should you persist in your damnable work of
treason.
Resolved, That in tending our thanks to Governor Yates,
and assuring him of our hearty support in his efforts to crush
this inhuman rebellion, we are deeply and feelingly in earnest.
We have left to the protection of the laws he is to enforce, all
that is dear to man, — our wives, our children, our parents, our
homes,— and should the loathsome treason of the madmen who
are trying to wrest from him a portion of his just authority
render it necessary in his opinion for us to return and crush out
treason there, we will promptly obey a proper order so to do,
for we despise a sneaking, whining traitor in the rear much
more than an open rebel in front.
Resolved, That we hold in contempt, and will execrate
any man who, in this struggle for national life, oilers factious
opposition to either the federal or state government in their
efforts or measures for the vigorous prosecution of the war for
the suppression of this Godless rebellion.
Resolved, That Ave are opposed to all propositions for ces-
sation of hostilitiee, or a compromise other than those proposi-
tions which the government has constantlv offered : "Return
to Loyalty," — to the laws and common level with the other
states of the Union, under the constitution as our Fathers
made it.
LIEUT. COL. PHILLIPS, 9th Illinois,
T. W. Lktto.v, Adjutant 50th Illinois, President.
Secret 'arii.
These resolutions were read to all the Illinois regiments
in the command, at dress parade on the next day and were
adopted with great enthusiasm by all exeepU ten men of the
52nd Illinois.
;'February 5th. The President's Emancipation Procla-
mation has reached camp and been duly read at dress parade.
We are in receipt of letters from so-called friends at the north,
asking us how we like "fighting for niggers.'' The reply almost
invariably is the same; "It is all right; we would rather tight
for niggers than copperheads." That while at first it was not
the in tent inn to free the slave or meddle with the institution of
slavery, and as a rule the armv was not in favor of such action'.
,,*
1 K2 HTSTORY OF THE
yet, if in order to destroy the enemy and save the country,
slavery must go, the soldiers are ready to go to the uttermost
to the end that the Union may be preserved and the war
brought to a successful close.
"February 20th. The camp is also made pleasant by
the arrival of ladies. The wi>Tes of Chaplain Bigger, Q. M.
Keal and Captain Burnham arrive to-day.
"February 22nd. National salute by Captain Madison's
seige gun battery, in honor of Washington's birthday.
"February 25th. For several weeks the work on the bar-
racks has been in progress. It was found that our tents were
becoming weather beaten and worn. On October 18th orders
had been read to reduce the camp equippage to two tents per
company. This order, it seems, was very slowly obeyed owing,
I suppose to the interference of the enemy subsequent, so that
our old Sibleys, although, badly worn and very leaky, were still
in use. During the building of these barracks it required all
classes of mechanics. Companys A, D and H having men that
were proficient in making or riving out clapboards, these rnexi
were employed at that work ; others in chopping down the tim-
ber, and others in other parts of the work. Thus was the dif-
ferent parts of the work exchanged between the companies,
while others who were not thus employed, stood the regular
guard and fatigue duty for those thus employed. The nails
were ordered from the north and divided as needed. The pros-
pects of having more convenient quarters having been discussed
it was thought best to have them divided in five mess rooms each,
and the cooking for the company done by one man. Therefore
for convenience while in camp, the barracks were arranged as
follows :
Each barrack to be 116 feet long, sixteen feet wide, and
ten feet high, facing west, divided, beginning on the north, into
six rooms sixteen feet square, leaving one room for cook and
dining room 10x20 on the 30uth end. These rooms wen provi-
ded with a good brick fire-place, opposite the door, and suffi-
cient number of bunks built up on the sides; two windows were
also in each room. The cook-room contained a hnse brick fur-
,.«
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
183
nace and a long table; the regular guard and other duty of the
cook was usually done by the next regular man on the detail
list, in addition he was paid a certain stipend from each man
so that while he worked hard he was generously recompensed.
The company commanders retained their tents, the reg-
ulation wall tent with fly attached, was situated at the south
end of the cook room, on the left of the barracks. The Held
officers, also in wall tents of larger size, were located at the pro-
per distance to the south, leaving a beautiful parade ground
and color line, upon which the regiment formed, between them
and the barracks, toward which they faced ; their position be-
ing from the north as follows: Quartermaster, Chaplain, Colo-
nel, Adjutant, Major, Surgeon and Regimental Band.
- — - '" . jsg
" -r^j .a» _■> .
■■:■■-■- •-■-; . Tf.V. '- " • "■ • '. - • ' .*,-. '. ^V_i-;.-\V ' ' — .. --"' -"^ "•-■-.'-""X •Ji'U-f-V". ^'^•"'rf \>-
' -,- ■ ■"■•- ■'.
g -'ItVy
The barracks as will be understood were made of timber
taken from the tree; some of the rooms were fitted up with well
shaved boards and puncheon floors, like our old western homes,
while others were covered nicely with illustrated papers, prin-
cipally Harper's Weekly and Frank Leslie's. Carpets were not
allowed, but the ground or floor was nicely swept.
1
Si
HISTORY OF THE
"March 12th. John McLaughlin and Jason Hibbard from
Illinois, arrived on a visit to the regiment. They will take
back with them the remains of Corporal L. M, Hibbard, who
died January 14th. 1S63, in the hospital, and Jerry Summers^
who was killed in the battle of October 4th. 1862.
"March loth. Cnder the direction of Captain Hanna
and Chaplain Bigger, a small house has been corardeted near
the regiment, for rive orphan children. Details from the regi-
ment were made and the men assisted with good will in this
most worthy and christian act.
"It is understood that Captain Hazelwood?s wife is on
her way to camp, from her homo in Illinois, and with her the
wile of Noah Rennicker of company D. Rennicker is the old-
est man in company D, and the boys call him "Old Dad," They
are somewhat at a loss how to accommodate Mrs. Rennicker in
a suitable manner, so they exercise their great American pre-
rogative and hold a meeting, in which it is resolved to build a
neat log cottage in rear of the quarters, and that the members
of the company should take turns in doing guard duty for com-
rade Rennicker during Mrs. Rennickcrs stay among them. No
sooner said than done, and within forty-eight hours a little pal-
ace is up and ready for the coming of the welcome guest.
"March 22nd. Oliver Shinn of company D, arrived from
home, where he had been on sick leave, and with him. were the
iadit'S. "Old Dad" was at the depot, and the company formed
an escort and march to camp, where the happy couple were duly
installed in their new home. The presence of a number of la-
dies in camp adds a charm beyond expression to the surround-
ings.
The last days in March, after several weeks of work
found the barracks of eight companies completed, companies A
and K being yet unfinished.
"April 3rd. To-day Suvgeon Kendall, who had been
home on a leave of absence, arrived in camp. On his return he
was a prisoner for four days and was compelled to march forty
miles on foot. He relates that as the train upon which he was
returning oam<> to Moscow, Tenh., the track was torn up and as
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS IXFAXTRV
185
tli»- train stopped it was tired into by sixteen armed rebels.
The train guard numbered seventeen, composed of Tennessee
troops, tired a few shots and then surrendered. The cap-
tured citizens were paroled, and the soldiers held captive and
marched ofT.to a camp of 400 rebels, where they were robbed of
everything save the clothes upon their backs. The Surgeon had
in his valise a new uniform, which had cost him one hundred
dollars. The enemy set out on their march at night, and next
day halted; resuming their march the next night, they suddenly
-truck a squad of Union cavalry asleep by the roadside, and fir-
ing into this squad killed and wounded several. In the confu-
sion incident to a night attack, the cavalry fell back, but soon
i -formed and charged, driving the rebels back and recapturing
some of the prisoners.
The rebel who was guarding Surgeon Kendall cocked a
revolver and kept repeating, "run you devil, run, or I will
shoot you;'' he, with the rest of the prisoners, were thus rushed
back into the brush. As the prisoners were an incumbrance,
the question was hastily considered what to do with them, and
the conclusion was reached to let them go, whereupon Surgeon
Kendall was released and arrived in camp two days later; with
him was Private Wni, W. Pond, who had shared his experience.
"April Gth. Anniversary of Shil-oh, and in honor of the
day a handsome flag stall' was erected, from the top of which
''•■;! ted the iiag. Orders were issued by General Dodge that ap-
propriate exercises would beheld to-morrow, the 7th.
"April 7th. The order of the day as issued by General
Dodge is as follows:
First. Flag raising with battery salute and cheers.
Second. Music by the band.
Third. Oration by Col. M. M. Bane.
Fourth. Grand Review.
After the salute and music General Dodge, in a clear
voice spoke as follows :
11 Fellow Officers and Soldiers oj the Second Division: — We
have assembled here to celebrate an eventful day; the day on
which Shilolrs great battle -closed. Brave men. vou remember
(12)
180
HISTORY OF THE
it well, and J am glad in my heart that you were there and per-
formed so well your part. But I cannot talk to you, my heart
is too full, and for your further entertainment I will introduce,
(though he needs no introduction). Colonel M. M. Bane, the
popular commander of the third brigade, whose empty sleeve
will tell you, in more eloquent words than I can utter, that he
has a right to speak of that glorious victory."
Then came the speech, which was grandly delivered, and
as grandly received. Then came the review in the following
order :
Tenth Mo. cavalry, Stewart's Battallion, a Squadron of
First Mo. cavalry.
First brigade, General Sweeney commanding, 52nd Illi-
nois, 2nd Iowa and 66th Indiana vols.
Second brigade. Colonel Mercer commanding, 9th, 12th,
122nd Illinois, and 81st Ohio vols.
Third brigade, Colonel M. M. Bane commanding, Tth Ill-
inois, 39th Iowa, 50th and 57th Illinois vols.
Ohio brigade, consisting of the 27th, 39th and 63rd Ohio
volunteers.
Artillery, 1st Missouri, 2nd Michigan, and one company
each from the 12th and 57th Illinois with seige gun.
The festivities and duties of the day closed with a supper
at the Tishimingo Hotel ; the dining room being decorated with
ilags of the command and evergreens, and the tables were graced
by the presence of a number of lovely women, the wives of offi-
cers of the division. In the evening word was circulated
through the camp of the Fiftieth that the resignation of Lieut.
Colonel Swarthout had been accepted, and every man in the
command felt that the service had lost a brave man and a com-
petent officer.
"April 8th. After dress parade Col. Swarthout addressed
the regiment in a short and tender speech of farewell, and in
testimonial of their high regard for him, the officers presented
him an album filled with their photographs, and then good by's
were said. Of Col. Swarthout it can well be said that never
nobler or braver man drew sword in defense of country.
„#
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
iff
•'April Oth. Pay-day and as four month's pay is clue
each private soldier, lias received $52.00.
"April 12th. Captain George E. Spencer, A. A. G., re-
turned with flag of truce from Tuscumbia.
'"April 14th. Regiment mustered in order to ascertain
how many recruits are necessary to replenish its depleted ranks.
Marching orders received to be ready with five davs' rations in
haversacks and forty rounds of ammunition.
"April loth. At 8 o'clock a. m. division moved out from
eamp. General Dodge commanding the expedition. The third
brigade rear guard, with Colonel Bane in command. The regi-
ment, mines companies A and K, who are on. detached duty at
Red Tank, is under command of Major Gaines. The camp is
left in charge of the convalescents. At Farmington, four miles
from Corinth, halted for dinner, then marched through Glen-
dale to Bumsviile, eighteen miles. At the latter plaee,the rebel
General Roddy had held his camp for several weeks.
"April 16th, Marched 10 miles, reached luka at noon
and halted for dinner, then resumed our march and camped at
4 o'clock p. m. within three miles of the stream.
"April 17th. The third brigade in advance, the Fiftieth
being the advance guard. Meet with no opposition until Bea
creek ts reached, when the enemy is discovered upon the oppo-
site side. Company B is at once deployed as skirmishers and
engage the enemy; the creek, which is about forty yards wide,
and deep, separating the two forces. In a short time a battery
is put in position upon a knoll in our rear, and after firing a
few shells the enemy take to their heels and our front is cleared \
The 10th Missouri cavalry with the 9th Illinois infantry moun-
ted on mules, are ordered to cross over the stream, which move-
ment is successfully accomplished. The Fiftieth Illinois hav-
ing launched Hats or barges into the creek, at once follow the
cavalry, and upon reaching the other side and forming, are at
once ordered on the double quick to report to Colonel Cornyn
of the 10t.h Missouri, one-and-a-half miles to the front. While
this movement is going on the 7th and 57th Illinois are ordered
to strip and cross farther down the stream.; thepioneers hastily
188
HISTORY OF THE
constructing a raft from timber taken from an old house near
by, cross over, and soon the whole brigade is over, the artillery
crossing later on.
The Fiftieth, moving rapidly to the front, failed to over-
take Colonel Cornyn and his cavalry command, and therefore
halted for orders. When almost immediately heavy cannona-
ding was heard to the front, the regiment marched rapidly to
its sound until Cherokee station, a distance of six miles, was
reached. Here one company of the 7th Illinois was deployed
as skirmishers, and pressing rapidly to the front was attacked,
as was the Fiftieth also, by a heavy force of cavalry that had
placed itself in the rear of Colonel Cornyn. As the brigade
rapidly formed in line of battle, a rebel, with his leg off from
one of Colonel Cornyn 5s mountain howitzers, was picked up and
put to the side of the road and made as comfortable as possi-
ble. As formed the line of battle the 57th Illinois occupied the
left, the Fiftieth the centre commanding the road, and the 7th
Illinois on the right.
A strong line or skirmishers were thrown out and the
line advanced for half a mile, when the enemy came in view,
Forrest and his cavalry could be easily seen, his line of battle
reaching across the valley, and about one-half mile to our front,
and his officers riding up and down his front. The 9th Illinois
mounted infantry were in a field to our right and supporting
one piece of artillery. During the morning's engagement the
regiment had lost one company by capture together with two
guns and twenty-five artillerists, but had in a brilliant effort
recaptured one gun. As our line of battle advanced down the
valley the sight was splendid to behold, and never to be forgot-
ten. The line on both sides were engaged but not heavily. One
rebel was captured who having become separated from his com-
mand, found himself surrounded, without any way of escape.
A movement of the enemv now indicated a charge, but
instead Forrest moved his command by "fours right, squadron
to the rear,'' and soon disappeared behind the hills. Our lines
advanced, and when a half mile had been covered, a staff officer
dashed back with orders to advance rapidly, so away we go on
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
ISO
the double quick, to the front, and soon discovered that Captain
Cameron of the 12th Illinois, acting Major and commanding a
battallion of the first Alabama cavalry, has been killed, and his
command with one gun captured.
The whole brigade advances in battle lines for a mile and
a half, when the enemy is again encountered. The Fiftieth oc-
cupies a strong position behind a railroad embankment and
here await either the enemy or orders. All at once a battery
opens on us, but we feel perfectly safe, and while it does no in-
jury it exposes itself, as being in a position subject to capture,
and the Major calls for volunteers for a forlorn hope. Only
thirty men are reouired but manv more than that number vol-
unteer, but just as the word was about to be given to go for the
gun orders came to be ready to move, which stopped the assault
contemplated by the .Major. The position of the line at this
moment is as follows : The 7th Illinois is in position on the
edge of the timber across the valley. The 9th Illinois mounted
infantry, supporting the piece of artillery before mentioned
and the rest of the cavalry are in the field to the right holding
the enemy in check, while we are lying along the railroad track
on Newsom's farm, facing the 7th Illinois, with instructions- to
hold our tire until ordered otherwise. It is the intention to
decoy the enemy and surround him. But Forrest is too wide
awake to be caught in such a trap, and his lines hegiu to
fall back; such is the opinion of all, but all at once our
cavalry and artillery commence a movement to the rear. This
was too much for the rebel General, believing our forces
were in retreat, he whirls about and charges. As he pas-
ses our front the Fiftieth sends a volley into his right flank,
emptying thirty saddles or more. The orders to hold our fire
had been disobeyed in that the firing was premature, but it was
brought on by James Mewmaw of company D, who in his fear
of losing a shot and through his zeal for the cause, set his gun
and those of the whole line going. As the volley struck them,
they took a left wheel and charged across the valley into the
7th Illinois, but they received so cold a welcome from that gal-
lant regiment that they got away as quickly as possible, follow-
:
190 / HISTORY OF THE
ing their artillery, which in the beginning of the charge had ta-
ken up its line of march to the rear.
The day was rapidly drawing to a close, and the little
army went into camp, a strong inducement for this location
being a smoke-house full of meat, cribs of corn and plenty of
fodder. In the course of the evening two officers from the
marine fleet at East] tort. Miss., on the Tennessee river, arrived
in camp and were the guests of General Dodge.
"April 18th. This morning about 9 o'clock camp was
broken and the command marched back to Dear creek, camping
about two miles from it. The third brigade has with it four-
teen prisoners, nnd one oi them says that he had heard of quick
cavalry and living artillery, but had never seen flying infantry
until he saw us coming at a double quick, on a ^eveii mile
stretch.
In the evening Colonel Kowett of the 7th Illinois with
five men from each company vent out on a foraging expedition
and soon returned with a lot of sheep as prisoners. The Fiftieth
did not go to so much trouble, nor did they pursue so military
a way to replenish their iarder, but they had mutton and plenty
of other substantials, taken from a rebellious and stiff necked
people.
" At dark General Sweeney reached camp with his brig-
ade. It is talk among the men that we are in retreat and
have got back to Bear creek to prevent the enemy from cut-
ting us oil'. Be this as it may, this is true that we are or-
dered to sleep on our arms to-night, and so stretch our-
selves upon the ground, but in rows indicating our lines
of battle; not the most comfortable form of rest, but very
comfortable when compared to what follows. About mid-
night a heavy thunder storm with Palling sheets on sheets of
rain strikes us. The scene presented is awful and beyond des-
cription. Our camp is on a hill, and within a field The whole
heavens are a blaze of light and filled with crashing thunder. In
the lightning's vivid Hash the boys can be seen sitting, as it
were, on their heels, with ponchos, or rubber blankets, over
their heads and shoulders, At regiijiental headquarters otticfrs
v—
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
191
and prisoners are, for the time, in like position, but the guards
over the prisoners are standing up alert in storm, the same as
at any other time. As suddenly as it came, so it departs, and
•jinin its sullen yet majestic retirement is evidenced only by its
faint flashings and the distant rumblings of the thunder.
"April 19th. A rainy day. Our prisoners are sent under
guard to Eastport. and we are rid of that encumbrance. The
rebel cavalry are hovering around us, anxious to strike, yet
afraid. The men employ the time in cleaning their guns and
equipments. Early in the forenoon our brigade is advanced
into a heavy timber of trees and brush. The purpose of this
movement is to ambush the enemy if he can be induced to at-
tack our cavalrv, which is to go forward and then fall back.
But the enemy is too wary and refuses the challenge, so we
come back into our camp of the night and morning, and find
that the Ohio brigade has arrived, accompanied by four compa-
nies of the 7th Kansas, iavhawkers.
"April 20th. Remain in camp and on the 21st a foraging
detachment was sent out to Dickerson and report rebel cavalry
hanging on the edges of the woods. For pleasure as well as for
food, fish-hooks of various sizes and shapes have been shaped
into being and the waters of Bear creek are being successfully
raided, so we have a supply of fish. Colonel Streight reached
our camp to-day with a brigade of mounted infantry. He is
direct from Murfreesboro, where General Rosecrans is with
iiis army of the Cumberland. This accession gives us a large
force and Forrest will certainly be attended to. The mount of
the brigade is, however, not up to first-class lines. Mules, hor-
ses of all kinds, ages, sexes and conditions, with old pack sad-
dles and every other kind of saddle, contribute to make up the
scantily and poorly provided array.
"April 22nd. The command moves at 8 o'clock a. m.
The last of the train arrives from Eastport with a section of
artillery at 2 p. m., and then the bridge over Bear creek, which
had been reconstructed after our crossing a few days ago, is des-
troved, and we start to overtake the command, acting in the
meantime, as rear guard. Having marched fifteen miles we go
„r
102
ITT STORY OF THE
into camp on Cane creek at 10 o'clock at night, distant from
Tuscumbia seven miles, which place we reach tit noon on the
23rd, without opposition. The 1st Alabama cavalry and the
Kansas jayhawkers have been at work, and desolation" follows
in their track. While the Fiftieth was going into camp, some
of the regiment went foraging and shortly returned with four-
teen sides of bacon and nine hams.
At Cane creek the following order was issued': :
Headquarters U. S. Forces, j
Army in the Field,
Cane Cheek, Ala., April 23rd, 1868. )
Special Field Order, )
' No. IS. \
Capt. William Hanua, A. D. C, is hereby detailed
and will immediately proceed to take command of the 122nd
regiment Illinois infantry, said regiment having no field officer
present. By order of
Brig. Gen'! G. M. DODGE.
Geo. E. Spencer, A. A. Geivl.
The 25th and 26th were spent in foraging. On the 25th
the following order was issued:
Headquarters U. S. Forces, /
Tuscumbia, Ala.. April 25, 1863, \
Captain Hanna, commanding 122nd Illinois infantry, is
hereby authorized to confiscate all tobacco found in this town.
By order of
Brig. Gen'l G, M. DODGE.
J. W. Barnes, Lieut. & A. A. A. Gen.
The confiscation of this tobacco made the 122nd the last-
ing friend of Captain Hanna, the plug tobacco having been di-
vided among the command, and every old soldier who reads
this history will recall how a plug of tobacco could warm up a
patriot dressed in blue struggling in the field without money
and out of tobacco.
On the 27th the command was ordered on the march and
taking the Courtland road arrived at Leighton, seven miles,
where we \vere joined by the 7th Illinois, which had been sent
to Florence on the 21th. The first brigade being in advance to-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
193
I
day wo made fifteen miles, arriving at Town creek, where resis-
tance came in the shape of a three gun battery, which opened
fire upon our advancing lines. Night coming on the brigade
went into camp behind a thickly grown' hedge fence.
On the 28th the ball was opened by the enemy firing a
rifled shell at General Dodge and staff who were on a knoll to
our front and right. The sight of these officers, evidently re-
connoitering, drew numbers of the command to the same spot,
out of curiosity. Over the creek to our front could plainly
be seen the rebel cavalry and an officer upon a white
horse riding up and down its lines. We were told by prisoners
already captured, that General Forrest was mounted on a white
horse, and such proved to be the fact, for during the day this
horse was wounded by the 7th Illinois, word to this effect being
later received through prisoners.
As we covered the knoll we saw a puff of smoke and then
a shell coming toward us, end over end, finally burying itself
in the ground in our midst. At a depth of two feet it was
found, and upon examination Captain Richardson of the 1st
Missouri artillery, found its fuse set for four thousand yards.
Calling up one of his guns, the Lady Richardson, and training
her upon the rebel battery he presented his compliments with a
returning sludl, which striking a brass gun exploded and turned
it complete I v tonsv turvey. This sent the rebel batterv back to
a new position, when the artillery duel reopened. The enemy's
shells came uncomfortably close; one struck the bed of the or-
derly sergeant of company E, Fiftieth Illinois, from which he
had just arisen, and one plowed its way through the 57th, but
fortunately neither one exploded. All the same though ex-
tremely dangerous, there was a humorous side to the bombard-
ment. Everybody was on the alert, and each arm of the ser-
vice acted differently. The artillerymen dismounted, the cay-
airy skedaddled to a safe place in the rear, while the infantry
spread themselves flat on the ground.
Rut while all this was going on General Dodge was not
inactive. The Fiftieth was ordered into line and company B
detailed to prepare a crossing over the creek, which was speed-
. €
104 HISTORY OF THE
ily accomplished by felling trees from bank to bank. Over
this hastily constructed bridge t lie 2nd and 3rd brigades crossed
and, forming in battle line, forced Forrest back a distance of
over a mile and a half. The skirmishing continued all day.
and at nightfall the two brigades ivcrossed to their canip of the
night before, leaving, however, the 7th Illinois and 2nd Iowa on
the opposite side for out-post duty. During the day our hearts
are gladdened by the unexpected arrival of the mail from home.
What a iovous treat it is to receive the tender and loving mes-
sages from the dear ones whose hearts are in constant trouble
because of our danger, and whose prayers to God for our pres-
ervation comes from soul> wrestling in t lie (Jethsemane's of the
land, pleading tha-1 the bitter cup may be passed by untasted.
And yet every letter bears, not only its message of love, but of
lovaltv, and from its- reading strong men rise up with tear-wash-
ed eyes, it is true, but with hearts firmly resolved on duty,
whether for weal or woe.
''April 29th. We are now placed on half rations, and in
the early hours orders are received, and at 5 o'clock a. m. are in
full march for Tuscumbia. It is a disappointment that we
could not reach theenemv: a difficult thin ej for infantry to do
with cavalry for an opponent. If we were only mounted, as is
the 9th Illinois, we would be placed on ecjnal ground with the
enemy. By 3 o'clock p. m. we have reached and passed through
Tuscumbia, and for the night camp on Little Bear creek, three
miles beyond. There is all around us a picture of "war's wide
desolation/' which we shall never forget. Between Tuscumbia
and Town creek we pass by thirty-eight houses in ruins. We
here learn the object of our expedition. We have been holding
Forrest until Colonel Streight can get well on the wav to Rome,
Georgia, there to destroy a foundry and supply depot.
We have held Forrest for three days, but information of
Streight's raid having reached him. he is now in rapid pursuit.
May our brave boys be successful is our wish.
As to the Straight movements vveappend an extract taken
from Stories o( the War, by John h. Wilson;.
w
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
195
Streight. — About the middle of that month. April, an
expedition composed of the 51st Indiana, .18th Illinois and a
part of two Ohio regiments — some 1800 men in all — and com-
manded by Colonel A. I). Streight, set out from Nashville on a
mission from which great tilings were expected. This force was
called "an independent provisional brigade,'' and was created
for "temporary purposes." Streight's instructions were that he
should destroy the railroads, the stores, the manufactories in
tii" rear of the confederate army, and in every way make retreat
difficult, if not impossible.
On reaching Dover he disembarked his troops and march-
ed thern across the country to Fort Henry, on the Tennessee
river. Embarking again, he went up the Tennessee to Eastport,
where he landed; then moving southward, he joined General
Dodge who was moving toward Tuscumbia, on the .Memphis &
Charleston railroad. It was not intended that he should remain
in conjunction with Dodge, but only that he should march with
him long enough to create the impression that his troops form-
ed a part of that leader's command, and at the proper time to
strike off from Tuscumbia toward Russelville or Moulton. On
their departure from Nashville, Streight's men were not provi-
ded with horses. It was expected that they would be able to
pick them up on the way. When they joined Dodge one-half of
the command was still on foot. At Tuscumbia the joint forces
encountered and defeated a strong body of confederates; and as
Iris men were well mounted, Streight. without delay, set out for
Uusselville. Having reached thai, place lie turned east, his ob-
ject being to strike the important cities of Home and Atlanta
in Northern Georgia.
Meanwhile Dodge had had better success. When Streight
set out for Koine and Atlanta, he (Dodge) struck oil' to the
south, and having made a sweeping raid in Northern Alabama
and Mississippi he returned to his headquarters at Corinth.
On the 30th we take an early start and arrive at Bear
creek, eighteen miles, by noon, where we go into camp, the
afternoon being spent in foraging in the midst of plenty. The
rapid march to the front and the return this far has worn us
out, we are weary and foot-sore, if not hungry, so everything in
the shape of a pack animal is brought into service to lighten
our load. Every company has its mule, and some companies
arc better provided. On these patient assistants to liberty and
freedom are [racked blankets and other equipage until the re-
196
HISTORY OF THE
semblance assumes the magnitude and appearance of an ele-
phant minus the tusks and trunk. Thus reconstructed, the mule
had to exercise great care in traveling, for woe to him if by an
unlucky step he fell, then all conditions were reversed, and it
was heels up rather than head and ears.
Company G was unfortunate in that its burden bearer,
loaded with blankets, slipped in crossing Cane creek. Securely
was the baggage fastened to his back, and so when he went
down he made a complete change in standing at least, for he
lay anchored on his back with four feet fanning the air, and
there he would have remained until judgment day had not some
of the teamsters rushed in to his asFrstance, and after a struggle-
set him right again and sent him on his way, wetter if not
wiser in his dav and generation.
"May 1st. Five o'clock in the morning and we are
marching, our brigade in advance. The bridge we cut away in
our advance has floated down the stream a mile and a half and
lodged against the abutments of the railroad bridge, so we
march down, and after some work, cross safely Oyer, and by
eight o'clock are on our way to Iuka, distant ten miles, where
we arrive at noon and dine, then away we go and near the set-
ting of the sun reach Burnsville and camp. The driver of the
headquarters wagon, a company B man, is not forgetful of his
company comrades, so having during the day, captured a sixty
pound porker, it is quietly put in possession of that company.
There are plenty of hogs running wild and the Blind Half Hun-
dred go a gunning for some of them, for which our Major is put
in arrest. We are ravenously hungry and at first mod that our
Major should be arrested, but all is changed whan at nine
o'clock a train arrives from Corinth bringing plenty of food and
bearing back our sick and disabled comrades, who, with the
Major, reach Corinth at daylight. As for us fellows who are
well, we roll ourselves up in our blankets, and possessed of
full stomachs once more, sleep with "the stars of heaven shin-
ing kindly down,'' only to be aroused at an early hour and
soon march for Corinth, our home. At five o'clock we march
into camp amid the cheers and salutations, happy to be back
once more and find those we left behind all fight, and well.
The Major also being relieved from arrest.
CHAPTER XI i
Camp Duties, Drill, Policing and Guaid — Amusements — A Queer Game— Letter
"Writing—Independence Day — Surrender of Col. Dick Kowett — Death or
Lieut. Marshall — Proclamation of the President — Congratulatory Orders
over the Surrender of Vicksburg and Victory at Gettysburg — A Happy
Time — Present of Guidons from Mrs. Col. Swarthoutand Sister — Military
Execution — All Quiet in Front,
SUNDAY, May 3rd. "The day was spent in resting, cleaning
up and writing home the incidents of the march, all of
which were interesting to friends, being in details a com-
plete lii story of the expedition.
"May 4th. A certain number of furloughs to enlisted
men from each regiment has been ordered, and the struggle for
the favor is carried on by the men with deep intensity. To-day
orders were received to send the names of those recommended
to division headquarters, upon which final action may be taken.
A number of th# Fiftieth are in the lucky list and already have
their faces turned, in'anticipation, homeward.
"May 5th. Orderly Sergeant Isaac McNeil, company H
received his commission to-day as second lieutenant. He will
make a splendid officer. There is general rejoicing over Burn-
side's order No. 38 relative to the Cincinnati Enquirer, and
other copperhead papers published in the north. The order is
a blow at treason stronger than could possibly be delivered by
guns in battle. It is strange thai there is an}' parly north so
108
HisToftY of THE
far forgetful of duty to coimtrv and flae as to give aid and en-
couragemont to Clement L. Vallandigham and his coconspira-
tors. And yet at this very time when the life of the nation is
hanging as upon a thread ; when brave men are dying in battle,
in hospital or in prison, it is alas too true, that strong organi-
zations are being formed in tlu1 northern states, the avowed
purpose of which is to strike the defenders of the Union in the
back while they are compelled to face an honorable foe at their
front. Why does not a just God smite the wretches to the
ground.
But while treason is at work in the rear the loyal men in
blue are not idle at the front, for to-day under orders from Gen.
Dodge, Sergt. Maj. Theo. Griffon, of the 50th, is assisting in the
organization of a company of negroes to be attached to the 1st
Alabama colored cavalry, and when the company has been duly
organized he will be commissioned its first lieutenant. The air
is full of rumors of the capture of Richmond, and cheers upon
cheers are resounding through the camp ; on the 10th word
comes that Richmond has fallen and that the flag of the Union
is floating over that stronghold of treason, whereat there is
great rejoicing, and so continued until the contradiction from
official sources destroys the grape vine, and set us back again
in the trenches.
"May 12th. By telegraphic dispatch Major Gaines is no-
tified that a commission has been issued for him as Lieutenant
Colonel, Captain Hanna as Major, John M. Cyrus as Captain,
and AVm. C, Boss and Samuel Lockwood as first and second
lieutenants of company E.
"May 14th. Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas, U. S.A.,
arrived from Jackson, Tennessee. To-morrow the command
will pass in grand review before him. The camps are being po-
liced and everything put in good shape.
"May 15th. The day has been passed in drilling and
passing in review bef.re General Thomas. During the course
of the review the troops were massed in close column by regi-
ments in front of General Dodge's headquarters, when General
Thomas stepped forward and, after acknowledging the salute
,. V*
I
J
LIEUT. COL. THOMAS \\\ GAINES.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
190
tendered him, delivered an eloquent and soul stirring address
upon the progress of the war, east and west, and presented a
most hopeful view of the situation. He was cheered to the
echo, and was evidently well pleased with his reception. After
him came Major General Oglesby, who never speaks without
setting his hearers afire. Speeches were also made by Colonels
Bane, Sweenev, Cornvn and General Dodge, in which lie stated
that he had received authority to raise as many negro regi-
ments as he could find men to organize. All of which is re-
ceived with general satisfaction by the boys in the ranks who
have come to the sensible conclusion that Sambo is as good
food for pow.der as is his white brother.
'"May 16th. .Orders received at regimental headquarters
to send to division headquarters the names of four enlisted men
suitable for commissions in the colored regiment being organ-
ized. This makes five in all, so the regiment loses the follow-
ing enlisted men: Private George II. Butler, company D; Pri-
vate Frederick Becker, company F; Private Charles E. Overton,
company G. and Sergeant Harrv A. Huston, company K.
On the 21st the furloughs for members of companies B,
C, E, G, and K are received, those for the other companies be-
ing disapproved.
The Major, one sergeant and six men are detailed to go to
Alton. Illinois with four prisoners, sentenced by a court martial
at Memphis, to confinement (.luring the war. A guerrilla cap-
tain was also placed in his charge for the same destination.
The time in camp is given to general improvements of
grounds and quarters. The barracks are well built, with an eye
to health and comfort. The streets are swept every day. All
litter and rubbish is hauled away and deposited outside the
lines a distance of two miles from camp. There is squad, com-
pany and regimental drill daily. The best, of order and disci-
pline prevails, and the regiment is daily complimented for its
well arranged and healthful camp, as also for the soldierlike
appearance of its members. At dress parade it is interesting to
note the size and interest of the crowd of civilians as well as
soldiers who gather to witness the drill of the regiment in the
§00
JriSTOfeY OF THK
manuel of arms. Harper's Weekly and other illustrated war
papers are taken by many of the regiment, and when read are
used for decorating the walls of the barracks.
There is a spirit of barter and sale in the air. The citi-
zen is wild for coffee, and therefore this sight is beheld on every
side, the coffee grounds of yesterday are spread out to the allur-
ing touch of sun and wind, and when thoroughly dry are dis-
poned of for luxuries not down on the ration list. Tobacco and
snuff go hand in hand with coffee, and these combined form a
trio invincible in their appeal to the citizen, male and female,
who readily give in exchange a liberal supply of corn bread,
beans, potatoes, chickens, butter, eggs and other products per-
taining to civilization. The days come and go pleasantly
enough : beautiful May davs, devoid of trouble and danger.
The duty is light and in all respects easy in nature and charac-
ter, and is confined to guard duty in town, police duty in camp
and company and regimental drills.
The mails are regular and are loaded with cheering and
loving missives from home. There are some who never or sel-
dom receive a letter, to remedy this difficulty and to lighten
hearts as well, it is suggested that all who desire, place .the
names of voung ladies in a hat from which the lonely soldiers
may draw out names, with the understanding that they are to
be written to. At once there is a change in the character and
demeanor of the hitherto neglected ; the mails bring answering
replies to their modest letters, hardly expectant of a reply,
which coming lifted clouds of darkness from weary hearts and
did not end with that, but led the lines of two lives nearer to-
gether till they merged in one forever and a day. Nor is it true
that hearts alone in camp were cheered, for in the northern
land there was many a fair maiden who eagerly availed herself
of the opportunity of answering a letter addressed to her by a
soldier in the field, who albeit a stranger, was to all intents and
purposes, her brother in that he was battling for her as well as
others in the land. Her letters were gladly written and happily
received. In every line they breathed of courage, loyalty and
hope, and many a poor boy felt tie- blood leap with renewed
■
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
20i
lit'.' through his veins as be read the soulful and loving lines
from a sweet and loyal maiden, who wrote like this-: "I have
often wondered whether there were any of .our soldiers who
hadn't a friendly correspondent, full of home greetings and
friendship. A relative, who has just returned oil furlough, in-
forms me that such is the ease, so I write you, If you could see
the anxious faces of our mothers, as they meet in groups , just
after a battle, and talk over the fate of the poor fellows "that
have fallen, with tears in their eyes, as though each was an own
son. How they meet and scrape lint and prepare bandages!
Your heart would be filled with love for them and with hope
that a cause supported by the prayers and work of surh a noble
womanhood, cannot and will not fail." Were not those words
touching, eloquent and soothing? Not to forged also her closing
injunction: "Oh, yes, don't forget to vote for Union candidates
this fall. The northern copperheads are talking of resisting the
draft. If so. we may have need of your services out west.1'
The amusement, however, was not of this class alone.
Hotting in many ways, based on different schemes and devices,
was indulged in. An officer going one da}r from his company
to regimental headquarters, passing a group of soldiers on the
parade ground, who seemed busily engaged at something,
stopped and discovered a board on which was drawn n circle
a foot in diameter, and then, beheld a novel game. Each one
participating «in the gain- or losses, was to place a gray-back at
the center, and the one reaching the y^i\^i first, won the stakes.
Bill Xortiiup took from his vest pocket a goose quill and emp-
tying its occupant at the center, said-; ""Sec my race horse",
and pointing to it lie slowly withdrew his hand, his louseship
following without hesitation, winning the race. Whereupon,
Bill placed his treasure in the quill and raked in the winnings.
The secret ot success in this particular instance was that Bill's
racer had been in the quill for some time, without anything to
eat, and therefore, taking up the scent of its owner's fingers,
made a grand rush for supplies, therein" winning a victory.
Progress seems now to be the aim of the regiment and
"Ks. s d-ior" tli'3 in >tto. Pen 1 o f their record, the ofiicers sii
(18)
„*
202
HISTORY OF TH£
i
men of the regiment are leaving no means by which the char-
acter and tone of the organization may he advanced. There is
a unanimity of feeling anions all, that the Fiftieth shall stand
at the head in drill and discipline.
The ladies who have honored and enlivened the camp by
their presence are returning home and their absence is missed in
. T more wavs than one. While
„f!F;Ji I'
1
^fe^/ sfife^ ^<) info
.»■
f/j
with the regiment they were
constant in their attendance
upon the sick, and many a
poor boy has felt the benefit
of their presence and gentle
ministrations.
Captain Haselwood also
returns home, his company
not having the number of
men required for a Captain.
June 19. To-day the 7th
Illinois drew mules upon
which it is to be mounted, by
order of General Dodge. The
purpose is to strengthen our
scouting force and this noble
organization will prove a valuable assistant in keeping our lines
of communication as well as our front free from guerrilla raids
and attack. But these marauding and irregular bands are
active and unceasing in their predatory excursions.
In a skirmish on the 22nd, with a large force under
Roddy, the 9th Illinois mounted infantry and the 11th Illinois
cavalrv lost forty men by capture, capturing, however, in re-
turn, one Lieutenant Colonel and twenty-eight prisoners.
On the 23rd, citizens of Purely and Bethel arrived in
camp, having been driven away from their homes by guerrillas.
25th. We are now ordered to have on hand two hun-
dred rounds of ammunition.
27th. Lieutenant Colonel Gaines, owing to ill health,
left today for home, on a twenty days' leave, and Major Hanna
1
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
203
having been relieved from duty on General Dodgers stair*, bv
Captain Horn of company B, returns to the regiment and as-
sumes command.
July 2nd. Progress and improvement is the order of the
day. In furtherance of good morals as well as the betterment
generally, of the soldiers, a lodge of the I. 0. G. T., Xo. 8. has
been organized and put in successful operation. Preparations
for the 4th are rapidly going forward, details policing camp
and white-washing the barracks are actively engaged.
•Inly 4th. Independence Day. — How our hearts are
thrilled at mention of the day and all it stands for! At sunrise'
a national salute of 84 guns was fired by a battery of the 2nd
Michigan artillery. The Fiftieth passed the day in a most
pleasant manner. Just before dress parade at 0 o'clock p. m.,
the band of the 7th Kansas cavalry marched to our parade
ground and gave the regiment a lively serenade1. Colonel Bane,
commanding the brigade, was expected to make a speech but
in his stead Colonel Dick Rowett, of the 7th Illinois, made a
neat little speech in which he gracefully surrendered to the
Fiftieth.
He related a dialogue that was said to have taken place
during the Town Creek expedition : One of the 7th boys, he
said, went t<> a house to see what he could find. Upon entering
he found <>ne of the Fiftieth there, crying as if his heart would
break. He had his gun and equipments with him, also his hav-
ersack full. Said \\\^
"7th boy. What's the matter. Fiftieth? ■
50th boy. Oh dear! oh, bop, hoo, nothing.
7th boy, Tell me what's the matter, Fiftieth, and I'll
help you through.. Say what's the matter?
50th boy. There ain't nothing the matter. Boo-hoo-hoo.
7th boy. Oh. pshaw. Fiftieth! Come, tell us what's the
matter.
50th boy. Boo-hoo! That's what's the matter, pointing
to a fine piano, I can't get that piano in my haversack. Boo-
hoo-hoo." *
.r
:?04
HISTORY OF THE
Now, my friends, said the Colonel, the 7th lias always had
a hard name, and have been called •■Cook's Crampers." hut every
mother's son in the regiment is now willing to knock under to
"the blind half hundred''.
While the Fiftieth were having a good time, other regi-
ments were not>'behind. The 39th Iowa held a picnic two miles
from camp, on the Farmington road and had a royal feast and
a good time.
While out reconnoitering, a volley from a party of guer-
rillas, shot and killed Lieutenant Marshall of the 89th.
On the 5th. his remains were borne, with military honors,
to the train, for shipment north. The order of march was as
follows :
The brigade band playing the dead march, then the regi-
mental martial band; next the guards of honor, armed, fol-
lowed by the company to which the deceased lieutenant be-
longed.
The ambulance with the remains, followed by commis-
sioned officers with side arms only.
Then in four ranks the non-commissioned officers.
Then the private soldiers under command of corporals,
without arms or equipments save cartridge box and bayonet.
Having deposited the remain.- on the train, the command
marched back to camp, the bands playing Yankee Doodle.
Our reputation is rapidly approaching distinction, as
witness to-day Colonel Alexander, the Major and Adjutant with
other officers of the 1st Alabama (colored) infantry visited our
camp and complimented the generally line appearance of the
regiment, praising the clean streets, as well as the perfect or-
d>T of neatness displayed in the barracks. At dress parade the
visitors comprised a large number of officers, and at the close
of the parade several complimentary speeches were made. The
Major of t lie 1st Alabama declaring that in the manual of
arms we excelled the famous New York Seventh.
July Gtli, Camp is in a wild state of excitement over
the glorious news of victory from Yieksburg. Gettysburg and
Helena. There is plenty of cheering and congratulation.
„c
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
205
••Hurrah, hurrah for the union." 'The stars and stripes."
"Hurrah for Generals Grant, Meade and the gallant Ben. Pren-
tiss." ''Hurrah for the girls and loved ones at home." "Three
groansufor the copperheads," and such like cries and exclama-
tions are heard upon every side.
On the 7th the news of victory at Vielvssburg, Gettysburg
and Helena is fnllv confirmed by dispatches received by Gen-
era! Dodge and by him promulgated. . »
Salutes from the seige spins are fired and amidst great
rejoicings the bands play, and joy reigns unconfined. The re-
bellion has received its death blow.
At six o'clock after retreat, the assembly without arms,
is sounded and the regiment is formed upon the color line and
speeches are delivered by Colonel Bane, Chaplain Bigger,. Major
Hanna and Captains Cyrus of E, King of G, and McGillicuddy
of K. Enthusiasm runs to a high pitch for victory is in the
air, and the happy boys sink into a peaceful sleep; all thought
o( war is banished by the dream vision of home and loved ones.
Sleep on brave defenders of the Union, and on thy lonely beat,
oh trusted picket guard, may no disturbing element arise to
break the chain of thy happy thought, for days will come and
grow into months and the months into years, before the trum-
pet blasts of war shall lie swallowed up in the glad, acclaim of
peace.
On the 8th the 9th Illinois mounted infantry, supported
by the 5:2nd Illinois and 2nd Iowa infantry, while on a scout
encounter Roddy and after a sharp skirmish drive him to Iuka.
During the day the following proclamation from- the President
was received and promulgated :
Washington, D. C. duly 4, ISOS. — 10 a. m.
The President of the United States announces to the
country that the news from the army of the Potomac, up to 10
o'clock p. m., of the 3rd, is such as to cover the army with the
highest lienor, to promise great success to the cause of tie1
Union, and to claim the condolence of all for the many gallant
fallen \ and that for this he especially desires that on this daw
206
HISTORY OF THE
He whose will, not ours, should ever he done, be everywhere re-
membered and reverenced with the profoundest gratitude.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
July 9th. Major Hanna is anxious that his regiment
shall be perfect in skirmish and battallion drill, and to this
end we are out early and late. To-day he formed the regiment
in line of battle and selects Bart Murphy, an old regular army
soldier, as right guide. He instructs M-urphy to fix his eyes
upon some object to the front and at command to march to-
ward it. Saluting, Murphy replies, "Yis, sor I understands
yez." Then raising himself in his stirrups the Major shouts
"Forward, guide right, march.'" Somehow the line wobbles as
it moves to the front, and so it goes forward until it is break-
ing into almost inextricable confusion. The Major notes the
trouble, his right guide is marching on a curve instead of
straight to the front. "Halt," lie commands in an angry voice,
and then galloping furiously down the line to the right he as-
sails right guide Murphy, thus, "Sir, did I not tell you to fix
your eye on some object and march toward it?" "Yis sur, yez
did," says Bart, saluting', "but yez did not sav sonic fixed ob-
ject an' so, sur. I looked at that cow, bad luck to her," at the
samp time pointing to an old white cow leisurely moving oil" to
right in her search for food. There was a. chuckle not loud but
deep, up and down the line, and there was something of a twin-
kle in the Major's eye as lie ordered Murphy to his place in
ranks, .evident! v deeming him a little too technical for service
as guide right or left.
On the 10th Lieutenant Harbison of company P>, who
has been acting Adjutant is appointed acting Quartermaster in
place of Regimental Quartermaster Real, resigned, and Lieu-
tenant M. B. Converse, company G, is detailed to serve as Ad-
jutant.
Thus pass away the days. A number of the members of
companies A, B, C, E and I received furloughs for 80 days.
There is a prize drill in the 1st brigade, and on the 17th the
camp is brightened by the return of Captain Cramer of com-
„ *•
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
207
pahy A. He is the bearer from Mrs. Colonel Swarthout and
sifter of two white silk guidons, each with letters in gold,
••-")( )fh Ills. V." imprinted upon their folds. The Captain pre-
H-nts them in a beautiful speech to Major Hanna, who receives
them in the name of the regiment in words appropriate to the
occasion, all of which is supplemented by a vote of thanks from
officers and men.
On the 18th orders are received for a prize drill to be
participated in by the brigade, August 1st, and now the regi-
ment is put to its mettle and drill hours are extended.
On the 21st the news is received that the rebels have
burned a railroad bridge west of Corinth and thus our trains
are delayed. A pleasant feature of the evening was the seren-
ade to the Fiftieth by General Sweeney's band.
The 22nd orders are issued to prepare for the execution
upon the following day, of J. Johnson of company D, 1st Ala-
bama cavalry, for the crime of desertion.
An eye-witness thus describes the execution: "The mor-
ning opened clear and delightfully cool. At six o'clock the
regiment started on its march to brigade headquarters. Pass-
ing through a portion of the city by the office of the provost
marshal, we saw a pine coffin in a two horse wagon with a guard
of sixteen men from the "blind half" and sixteen from the 1st
Alabama cavalry. Reaching brigade headquarters we halted
and after remaining a few moments the brigade, together with
company D, 1st Missouri light artillery, marched out to the
open field south east of town, going into position to lively mu-
sic from brass and martial bands. The day. was so beautiful
and the sight of marching columns under flying colors, was so
inspiring that one could hardly realize that we were about to
witness the execution of one who had been a fellow soldier.
The hour of. 9 o'clock was set for the carrying into effect of the
death sentence, and by 8 the division was in position as fol-
lows :
The cavalry brigade, with the 1st Alabama cavalry on
the front line. In its rear from right to left detachments of
the loth Missouri, 7lh Kansas jay hawkers, 15th Illinois cav-
208
HISTORY OF THK
airy regiments and Stewart's battery. These troops facing
north farmed the south side of a square.
The 1st and Srd infantry brigades formed the west side
facing east, as follows: 1st brigade on tin- right, and the 3rd
brigade on its left consisting of the 89th Iowa, Fiftieth, 57th.
and 7th Illinois.
On the north side, facing south, were formed the 1st
Missouri and 2nd Minnesota batteries, and 2nd Illinois seige
guns, whi.'e to their left was the 1st Alabama colored infantry.
At 9 o'clock the first low sound of music by the brigade band
fell upon our ears, and soon the solemn procession was seen
slowly moving over the hills, from town, in the following order:
First the band, next the firing party, followed by a
wagon with the condemned seated on his coffin, which, in turn,
was followed by the detail of the Fiftieth, acting as a reserve.
Moving te> the right of the line forming the square, the proces-
sion halted and was reformed as follows:
Provost marshal!, Lieutenant Colonel Barnhill, and as-
sistant provost marshall, Captain H. L. Burnham. then, in the
following order came the band, firing party, coffin borne by a
corpora', from company D. and three men, one each from com-
panies C, E and G, Fiftieth Illinois. Then came the prisoner,
on his last march, leaning for support upon the arm of his
regimental chaplain, all followed by a detachment of the Fifti-
eth, aetmg as a provost guard in reserve.
At the command, forward, the procession moved along
tlie iine in front of the troops, while passing the cavalry,
the band playing the dead march. When the infantry was
reached, the band ceased playing and as each regiment was
approached the muffled roll of drum and low. sad strain of fife
broke upon the ear. As the artillery was reached tiie brigade
band once more resumed the dead march, and so continued
until the colored regiment was reached when again the brass
band ceased and the roll of drum and music of life was heard.
The march along the line ended as the sad procession
reached the left of the colored regiment, then it moved
by file right to the center of the square, and halted. Here' the
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
209
.
roHin was placed upon the ground and the prisoner seated upon
it. facing west, He was probably 35 years of age, tall and slimly
built, with long hair, his head covered with a white, broad
brimmed hat, without coat or vest, a cotton shirt — once white —
one sleeve unbuttoned and open, drab pants, that were too
short, only reaching half way below his knees, and coarse, raw-
hide hoots, unblacked. His wind;1 appearance was the reverse
of everything manly and he presented a truly doleful sight.
In tie-.' meantime the firing party took up its position
twelve paces in front, the reserve the same distance to its rear.
The chaplain was now seen approaching and as he knelt in
prayer, the adjutants of the different commands read the death
sentence. Rising from where he had knelt, the condemned
man now reseated himself upon his coflin, an officer stepped
forward and pinioned his arms behind his back, and then, with
bandage in hand, bade him take his last look upon earth and
sky. lie did this, and as he k>oked around, there was a wave of
sympathy all up ami down the lines. In a moment his eyes
were bandaged and then the firing party of sixteen, in double
ranks, stood to attention.
The stillness of death hung over the scene, when ail at
once, loud and (dear, there rang out upon the air: "Front rank
ready. Aim! Fire!" And all was over. Death must have been
instantaneous, for he layover his coflin. quiet and still. Hardly
had tlie air ceased t<> vibrate with the sounds of the death shots
until the regiments began marching past the remains, the band
playing, as before, the dead march. As fast as each regiment
marched by, it tuned the head of its column towards cam}),
with steps quickened by the enlivening strain of "Life on the
Ocean Wave," "Yankee Doodle,'3 or "The Girl I Left Behind
Mi-."
The offence for which so dreadful a reparation was re-
quired, was as heinous as could possibly be committed, in war
or peace. While on duty as an outpost, or cavalry vidette, J.
Johnson deserted to tin.1 enemy, taking his horse and equip-
ments, and sometime afterwards he was captured with arms in
his hands, in a rteht near Florence, Alabama. That ids sen-
„ *
r
210
HISTORY OF THE
tence and the execution thereof, was just, before God and man,
admits of no controversy.
The excitement attending the military execution subsides
into a memory, and all is quiet. The routine of camp, consist-
ing of guard, picket and drill duties, alone prevails.
„ #
CHAPLAIN MATTHEW M. BIGGER
CHAPTER XIII
The Building of the Church — The Pell — Frequent Skirmishes — Railroad Gun-
boats— President's Proclamation— Brigade Prize Drill — Re-enlistments as
Veterans — Fun in Camp— Polly Dick Patriotic Letter — Preparing to
Move — Delay and Discontent — Thirteenth Regulars — Arrival -of General
Sherman — Off at Last — "Skin your Eyes" — Daughters of Chivalry —
Thanksgiving Dav.
'HAT t lie moral as well a? the physical comforts of the Fif-
tieth was looked after, is evidenced by what follows. It
came into the mind of Chaplain Bigger to build a church
and no sooner had he communicated his wish to the officers of
the regiment and their men, than it received the heartiest pos-
sible endorsement. Major llanna at once took the lead, and
ably seconded by the regiment, within a short time there was
erected ami duly dedicated, a comfortable church building, of
the same material as the barracks, well suited to the demands
<>f the regiment. There, however, was one thing needful lack-
ing, ami the company A boys determined to supply the article
required. Over oh the Tishimingo Hotel at Corinth, for years
had swung a huge bell, which daily in ponderous tones, had
called the hungry t<> repasts more physical than spiritual. The
boys thought that the bell would be in better form calling the
Fiftieth to prayer than tin- hungry to grub, and so toiling and
almost blinded in sweat, they bore the prize to the church, and
soon it hung in place ready for a duty different than ever be-
fore.
,. *
212
HISTORY OF THE
On the 30th a test drill of the regiment took place for
the purpose of selecting two companies to represent the regi-
ment in the brigade prize drill. Lieut. Colonel Barnhill, dis-
trict provost marshal, and Captain Faran of the regular army,
were the judges. It was generally conceded that company B
would be selected, it being considered, as to drill, one of the
star companies of the 'regiment, and it was, therefore, a matter
of surprise to the regiment, as well as of annoyance to company
B, when the judges selected company Gr, and declared B, F and
I tied, necessitating another contest between these last named
companies.
The utmost vigilance is required along the railroad and
by the pickets surrounding Corinth, occasioned by the constant
menace from large bands of guerrillas continually on the alert
for an opportunity for an attack. Firing on the pickets is of
daily occurrence.
To protect the trains a car has been constructed called
the gunboat or iron-clad, its general build being in the same
manner and form as the above named vessels. While it served
its purpose well, yet many a soldier was killed or wounded
while aboard of this ship of land as it sailed back and forth
from Memphis.
(hi August 2nd, Lieutenani Moody company A having
received notice of the acceptance of his resignation, leaves for
his home. There is nothing of particular interest transpiring
save a large accession of negroes, and heavy rains with plenty
of thunder ami lightning.
August Oth. Thanksgiving day throughout the country
wherever floats the flag. The 3rd brigade held a picnic and had
a joyous time.
The following orders are self-explanatory :
Headquarters 3d Brigade, /
Corinth, Miss., July 81st, 1868. )
(ii'in rat Order, )
X<>. 2®. S
The President of the Fluted States having, l»y proclama-
tion, solemnlv set apart Thursdav, the Oth dav of August, as a
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
213
!
ilav of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, for the many
promising victories that have recently crowned the government
force**; It is therefore ordered that for the purpose of carrying
.ad said proclamation, the regiments of this command, armed,
and provided with dinner, and one team each, for hauling
water, will report on the grounds just west of brigade head-
quarters on the morning of the 6th of August, at seven and one
half o'clock precisely, when the Colonel commanding will
march the brigade to a suitable place, where the day will be
observed as becomes an enlightened, intelligent, christian sol-
diery.
No intoxicating drinks of any kind will be allowed on
the occasion, and it is earnestly hoped by the Colonel comman-
ding that all officers and men will so deport themselves as to
command the gratitude of a grateful country, and the contin-
ued blessings of Almighty God.
By order of
M, M. BANK.
T. W. Letton, Col. Comd'g Bel Brigade.
Lieut, and A. A. A. G.
The exercises, consisting of religious services, singing,
much speaking and plenty of good eating. The folks at
home may rest assured that the soldiers at the front are full
of gratitude to the Divine Power which lias guided the nation
this far on the way to victory and a lasting peace.
We have a new state banuei' drawn from tin' quarter-
master's department. Our old one, having serve;! its term, has
been carefully rolled up, and wili, at the first opportunity, bo
sent home. The brigade prize drill took place today, August
8th, a report of which follows:
The question of re-enlisting, as veteran volunteers, under
the provisions of General Orders No. 191, War Department,
June 25th, 18G3, is being fully discussed among the rank and
file of the regiments now stationed at Corinth. The purpose is
"to increase the armies now in the Held".
The period of service for enlistment and re-enlistment.
will be three years, or during the war, and all able-bodied men,
between the ages of eighteen and fortv-tive years, who have
heretofore been enlisted and served for not less than nine
months, passing necessary medical examination, and when «m-
■ .rf1
214
HISTORY OF THE
listed and mustered, will receive one month's pay in advance,
and a bounty and premium of $402. The first payment, $40, of
which #25 is bounty, #2 premium and one month's pay of #13,
followed by six installments of $50 each, the last payment of
$75 at the expiration of service, or if sooner discharged, the
whole remains due. It is further provided that the legal heirs
of volunteers, who die in the service, shall be entitled to receive
the whole bounty remaining unpaid at the time of the soldier's
death. As a badge of honorable distinction, ''service chevrons''
will be furnished by the War Department "to be worn by the
veteran volunteers".
Our brigade now consists of the following infantry regi-
ments: 18th Missouri, 39th Iowa, 7th, 50th, 57th, 108th, USth
and 120th Illinois, the last three temporarily attached.
The cermonies attending the dedication of our church
building, came off today, the 9th. Chaplain Bigger officiated
and the services were especially interesting. A great throng
crowded the edifice. General Dodge and stall', accompanied by
their wives and lady friends, being present.
August 14th. Today we received official notice of the
prize drill and decision thereon, as set forth in the following
order :
1 Tea r>qr arte us 3d Brigade, )
2nd Division, 10th Army Coups, [■
OoiuxTii, Miss., Aug. 11th, 1803. \
General Order, )
No. 22 \
The following report of the committee of the Test Drill
authorized by General Orders Xo. 15, from these headquarters,
is published to the regiments of this command:
Comvrn, Miss.? Aug. 10th, 1863.
Col. M. M. Bane, )
Com'dg 3rd Brigade, >
2nd Division, 16th Army Corps. )
Colonel:
We the undersigned officers, who, at the request of
the field officers of your brigade, acted as judges of the trial
drill which took place on the 8th inst. between companies G
and C, 39th Iowa inf. vol.; companies Band I, 50th 111. inf.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
215
vol., and companies B and E, 57th 111. inf. vol., have the honor
!<» make the following report: .
The committee is unanimously of the opinion that Co.
]>. 50th inft. vol., commanded by 2nd Lieut. Anderson, is enti-
tled to the credit of excelling the others in discipline and profi-
ciency in drill, and further, that the general appearance of all
the companies was excellent, and that the proficiency exhibited
l>y each, in the drill, did great credit to the regiments repre-
sented. The committee would name the following non-com-
missioned officers and privates, as deserving their especial men-
tion because of their soldierlv bearing and appearance, viz:
Sergt. Yeldell, Co. B, 50th 111. inft,
Sergt. A. M. Thompson, Co. 1, 50th 111. inft.
Private John Stalev, Co. G, 89th Iowa inft,
Private S, M. Pike,' Co. 1, 50th Hi. inft,
Private Geo. Rotham* Co. E, 57th 111. inft,
Private Geo, Sullivan, Co. E, 57th 111. inf.
Respectfully submitted,
E. \V. Rn e. Col. 7th Iowa inft. vol.
A. L. Chetlaix, Col. 12th 111. inft. vol.
John S. Wilcox, Col. 52nd 111. inft, vol.
J. C. Parrott, Lt. Col. 7th Iowa inft, vol.
X. B. Howard, Maj. 2nd Iowa inft, vol.
Headquarters 3rd Brigade,
2nd Division, 10th Army Corps,
Corinth. Miss., Aug. J lth. 1863.
The proficiency in discipline and drill to which the com-
panies which entered the contest had attained, made success
the more difficult, hut all the more meritorious and honorable.
With such competitors, in such a noble contest, Co. P> of the
50th 111. inft, vol., 2nd Lieut. Anderson commanding, may just-
ly feel proud of having triumphantly borne off the palm of
success. A copy of this order is in possession of each member
of this company, will be to those whose lives are spared in after
years, a pleasant reminder of honest and efficient service ren-
dered a suffering country.
By order of
M. M. PANE,
T. YV. Letton, Col. Com'ds: 3d Brigade.
Lieut, and A. A. A. G.
Official:
M. Converse, Lieut, and A.Adjt.
'O
r, #"
216
HISTORY OF THE
Captain Burnham, who left camp on the 12th with an es-
cort of six men, under orders to conduct a body of refugees to
Keokuk, Iowa, returned today, being unable to proceed beyond
Cairo.
August 16th. Sunday, preaching in our church morning
and ('vening. Elmer Ware, of company 1, on duty as ambu-
lance driver at the hospital, died this afternoon. He has been
ill for some time.
17th. There is fun in camp tonight. The officers have
been organized, for days past, into awkward squads, and under
the supervision of Major Hanna, have been drilled and drilled,
in the manual of arms, the facings and evolutions of the com-
pany.- Today the- Major ordered them out on public drill, and
the troops, taking convenient positions, from where an un-
obstructed view could be had. awaited the appearance of what
may justly be styled, and. always hereafter known, as "the
awkward squad." Its approach was greeted with rounds of ap-
plause, and such an array! 'Fall and short, broad-shouldred
and narrow, slim and fat, straight and bow-legged, feet broad
tracked and pigeon-toed : such a sieht was never before seen
*
since the days of young Prince Hal.
The Major was in his glory. Jle had his officers just
where he wanted them. "Attention," "shoulder arms," "order
arm-/' and down went the butt of musket upon the unfortunate
feet, the owners of which attested their disgust in ejaculations,
not loud, but deep. Fun! Well, yes, and beyond measure, And
yet, it i< true, that under the patient and skillful direction of
it^ drill master, order from chaos came, and when, after several
hours of drilling, the squad marched off the grounds, it was no
longer tlu* awkward body of the morning, but in precision of
movement and soldierly appearance, was worthily entitled to
the applaus e so f ree 1 y gr ant e ( 1 .
Such exhibitions of soldierly desire to win and wear the
honors vouched by soldierly action and attention to details,
bring name and fame to the Fiftieth, and this evening a great
crowd witnessed our dress parade, the companies being com-
manded by noncommissioned ottieers, a not unattractive fea-
„ #
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTUY
217
turo of which was the appearance of Bolly Dick, the three year
oli] boy of Captain King's colored cook.
Watching, as he had, the drilling of the command, he
-<».>n became proficient in the use of a small wooden gun, given
him by some of the boys. It was his habit to take position in
rear of commanding officer at dress parade, and go through the
manual the same as the line, but this evening he not only broke
the record for audacity but ended his career as a soldier. Just
after the Major had taken his position, Bolly Dick marched out
from the crowd fronting the line, and with much dignity, took
position immediately to the rear of the Major, and, in exact
time and imitation, executed the movements of the line, the
manual of arms and ail as ordered by the Major or his adjutant.
The sight was, in every respect, so winning and yet so lu-
dicrous, that the men in ranks, as well as the witnessing crowds',
broke out into shouts and laughter, greatly to tie? surprise and
somewhat to the chagrin of tin1 .Major who did not understand
the caus*\ until, casting his eyes to the rear, he saw the little
warrior in all his glory, who, suddenly falling from his dizzy
height, moved back to his quarters.
This evening's dress parade, the companies, as before
stated, being under command of non-commissioned officers,
proved to be of the best results. It taught tie: officers of (lie
line that they must keep up with the times if they wished to
keep their laurels as well as positions from capture by their
subordinates- Here, the daily record of events for the time be-
ing, ceases. ,
From the 17th of August, on through the month of Sep-
tember, but little of note occurred, beyond the regular routine
"t camp and garrison. It was not uncommon for men to be
fnot while upon picket. The 7th Kansas loosing three in one
day.
The religious exercises were kept up ami were deeply in-
teresting, the chaplains of the other regiments often assisting.
Colonel Dane and wife leaving for home on the 25th of
August, the command o( tie.' brigade devolved upon Lieutenant
Colonel Hurlbut,
(14)
, c
}
218
HISTORY OF THE
Furloughs were daily granted and the camp was saddened
by the departure of fortunate ones, or gladdened by the return
of those who had been furloughed, and whose appearance was
greeted with pleasure because of word and gifts from the dear
ones at home.
Serenading was in order, and from camp to camp, move
minstrel bands. Pay-rolls, for four months pay, were signed,
and I). D. Bigger, succeeded Win. Evatt as sutler. A notable
event, on the 3rd of September, was the arrival and assumption
of command by general Webster, of the left wing of the 16th
Army Corps.
Desertion from Bragg and Johnston was a matter of daily
occurrence. The deserters as a rule, presented a pitiable ap-
pearance. Clothed in cheap gray, well worn and very dirty, they
gave, as if by concert, the same reasons for deserting : ''Tired of
the Wah", and "You all's is too much for we mis".
General Webster holds but brief command, being, on the
6th of September, relieved by General E. A. Carr, and on Sep-
tember Mh Major Hanna is relieved from the command of the
post at Corinth, by Colonel Alexander, of the 1st Alabama col-
ored infantry. Out of the regular course of events, was the in-
spection and review of the brigade, by General E. A. Carr and
Lieutenant Colonel Wilson, Inspector General of the Depart-
ment of the Tennessee, who expressed themselves as delighted
with the soldierly bearing of the brigade, the Fiftieth receiving
a fair meed of praise.
On the 11 th, Colonel Wilson inspected barracks. The
day was windy and dusty but everything was shown up in ship-
shape order. The evening was gladdened by news from the
Army of the Cumberland; General Carr issuing the following
circular :
Headquarters Left Wing; 16th A. C, )
Cokinth, Miss., Sept. 11th, 186B. s
The following dispatch has just been received at these
Headquarters:
Memphis, Sept. 11th, 1863.
I have just received a disputeh, from Nashville, which
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRV.
219
states that General Crittenden's Corps occupied Chattanooga
on the morning of the Oth. Rebels retreating south,
[Signed] W. G. FULLER,
Superintendent Military Telegraph.
By order of
J. W. Barnes, Brig. Gen. E. A. CARR.
Lieut, and A. A. A, G.
There were daily collisions with the enemy, along our
picket lines. News of the surrender of Little Rock reached
camp on the 15th. On the 17th Colonel Gaines returned from
Illinois, where he had been on a sick leave. On the next* day,
John H. Gallagher, company D, captured at Shiloh, having
been duly exchanged, rejoined his company.
To relieve the monotony, as well as to improve in drill,
the two colored regiments, 1st Alabama infantry and 1st Tenn-
essee infantry, participate in a sham battle, in which no one is
killed, but, for the time being, several are knocked out. The
contrabands, before they got through with the fight, grew terri-
bly in earnest.
To show the military spirit, as well as unbounded pride
for the regiment and its achievments, an extract is given from
a letter written and dated at :
Corinth, Miss., Sept. 20th, 1863.
* * •* * & *
"Tell father that the 'blind half hundred' is as good as any
regiment in the service of I'ncle Sam, has the cleanest guns
and uniforms of any regiment in the second division, and nearly
all are anxious to be mounted on mules."
Along about this time, the weather turned severely cold
and on the 18th, 19th and 20th, there was much suffering, es-
pecially among the colored troops. By the 24th, news o( tie1
defeat of Rosecrans at Chicainauga readied camp and was re-
ceived with much excitement, as it brought a probability of a
movement from Corinth, which was still further confirmed by
subsequent events.
The proposition to mount the regiment on mules, daily
took shape, and on the 26th Major Hanna quietly mounted 10
men, on the team mules, and put them through the evolutions
of a cavalry drill, all of which was witnessed by the troops and
■
)
220
HISTORY OF THE
to the especial amusement of the boys of the Fiftieth. It was,
however, an object lesson, which, in due time, produced results.
There were now many indications of an early and an
active movement. The I5tli A. C. was concentrating at Corinth.
A train load of 1,500 men was unloaded, and a large number of
Springfield muskets, the finest arm in the world, were received.
readv for delivery to the division. New shoes were issued as
well as clothing, and this carried the idea of an early march.
The experiences of the Town Creek march, heretofore recorded,
satisfied the ,"lilgh toners'" that tight boots were not the thing,
and they welcomed their "gunboats" with a pleasure as educated
as it was zealous. Three more teams were allowed the regiment,
and on the 29th, the tents and extra equippage was turned
over t<« the post quartermaster.
During all this time the weather was wet and cold. Nec-
essarily j there was in the delay of marching orders, a feeling of
suspense, each day growing the more intense. The troops, so
long at Corinth, are anxious for active service. They feel they
must do something more than guard and patrol duty.
On the BOth, three trains of soldiers arrived and went
into camp, and on the 1st day o( October, several thousand
reached Corinth, by trains from Memphis. On this day Lieu-
tenant Colonel Gaines was assigned to duly as provost marshal
for the district of Corinth.
There- was an increasing activity apparentamong the ene-
my, and hot skirmishing and engagements occurred, with vary-
ing result, but. as a rule, favorable to the Union. The 7th Ill-
inois ami 4th Kentucky cavalry returned on the evening of
October 2nd, with 25 prisoners, including a major, with the io>-s
of one man killed.
The 3rd and 4th were the anniversary days of the battle
of Corinth, and tin.' Fiftieth encamped upon the same ground
upon which it then fought, and finally held, on the 4th. All
day. and far into the night, there were satherinsrs of men, who
recalled the scenes of those two eventful days. First it would
seem as though the year had brought fait little progress to tin.1
FIFT IETH ILLINOIS IN F A N T K Y .
221
I
I nion cause, but a moment's reflection dissipated, as into thin
air. tli*1 uneasy thoughts.
From the front came news of the capture of a part of
t h«'* fcSth Missouri, while guarding the bridge, at Ghewalla,, their
officers I>eing absent at the Tishimingo. More trains arrived
from Memphis, with troops of the loth A. C, and on the 10th
a brigade on its way by rail was delayed by obstructions placed
upon the track, but the enemy was soon driven off, tin1 cause of
delay removed and the brigade marched from depot into camp
with drums beating and (lags flying. «
There was a constant stream of troops arriving and de-
parting along the line of the Memphis & Charleston railroad,
composing tie.' loth and J 7th Army Corps. Their destination
Chattanooga and the relief of Ros.ee rans' beleagured army.
The delay in the movement of the Fiftieth and the brigade and
division >o long at Corinth, produced great discontent, and one
of the Fiftieth, thus notes in his diarv, the general feelinsr of
depression and disappointment:
"We have been expecting to go for some time, but it be-
gins t<> looJj now as if our division is not to go, consequently,
we will have to remain. Well, we will have to be contented.
We canimt help ourselves anyway, is the way we feel about it''
But see. into what ■ -a joyous song the disgruntled soldier breaks,
only a few hours later, when at 5 o'clock, p. in., ho says: '"Hur-
rah ! Hurrah! Marching orders.'7 What is up? — ;Three day's
rations in haversacks, 40 rounds of amunition and be ready at a
moment's notice, is the order. At dark wo are off, joyous and
happy, for La Grange, to reinforce General Sweeny, who has
heen attacked by Forrest, Roddy and Furgason. with a force
reported to be from 5,000 to 8,000.
Before reaching Sweeny, ward comes that he repulsed
the enemy who had then turned their attention to Colliersville,
occupied" by the (*>(Hh Indiana. undiT command of Colonel D.
C. Anthony. Investing the place, a demand for immediate
sufreiidef had just been made when a train from. Memphis ar-
rived, bearing Major Qeneraj Sherman and two brigadiers, with
their staffs, and a battaliqnof the 13th V. S. regulars, as escort.
9-)*~>
HISTORY OF THE
As the train drew slowly up, to where the track had been
destroyed, the enemy opened an artillery fire, disabling the
engine and with marked injury to some of the cars. Rapidly
£ormingj";the ■regulars joined the 66th and charged the enemy
with the bayonet, driving them away in a short time, but not
without loss. Forrest evidently believed that a heavy force
was within close call, and, therefore, withdrew, but in the sharp
fight of but a few moments, the Union loss was 15 killed and 50
wounded.
Corinth, October 12th. The 18th regulars, with General
Sherman, arrived to-day, and the General, temporarily, estab-
lished his headquarters, a pleasant feature of which is a fine
brass band. On. the evening of the loth, the bows of the Fiftieth
who have remained in camp, visit the regular's camp for the
purpose of witnessing their dress parade. An eye-witness thus
records the interesting movements employed by the regiment:
"The companies form on their streets, the color guard
march with the colors and take position on the parade line.
Then the band, playing quick time, takes position, followed by
the right and left guides, each 1 searing a beautiful guidon, who
take their places on alignment. At a given, signal, the band
strikes up a quick march, and the companies, with arms at a
right shoulder shift move on the double-quick, to their respect-
ive positions on the line. TJhey are proud of their movement
and so, we think, they should be. In marching, halting and
in <>ase of allignments, their movements surpass anything I
have ever seen, but they cannot match the Fiftieth in the man-
ual of arms. We could beat them and not half try. and we
would like to pit our regiment against them, even if it is but
just returning from a heavy march/'
On the 16th, General Dodge returned and again assumed
command of the left wing of the 16th A. C. As to the move-
ments of the brigade it is only necessary to note that it remain-
ed at La Grange, as a reserve, until the 19th, when it returned
to Corinth.
The general movements of the troops was in the direction
of Chattanooga, and bv the 20th the movement was in full
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
223
swing for Iuka and beyond. It seemed to be settled that Gen,
Dodge would issue orders necessary for the mounting of the
Fiftieth. Colonel Bane having returned, assumed command of
the Brigade, and shortly after met Mrs. Bane at La Grange, her
return to cam]) being hailed with joyful exhibitions, for she
was indeed, the regiment's helpful and watchful friend.
From the 21st to the :27th, aside from the usual duties,
came pay day at which two months pay was received, clothing
drawn, the different regiments of the brigade on out-post duty
returned to Corinth, and it was also a matter of interest that on
Sunday the 25th. Chaplains Bigger and Collins field divine ser-
vice in the chinch for the last time. Colonel Gaines being re-
lieved from duty as provost marshal returned to the regiment
and at once took command.
On the 27th marching orders with two days rations were
received, and the next morning the Fiftieth, with most of the
division, boarded the train for Burnsville. The wagon train,
under the escort of the 18th Missouri, reached a point within
three miles of Burnsville. when it was attacked, but after a
smart skirmish the enemy was driven off, the 18th losing one
horse killed and one man wounded.
The lines around Burnsville having been established,
Wjii. Xorthup of company 1>, brought in from the picket line,
a prisoner, who claimed to be ;i deserter from Roddy's com-
mand. The country around Burnsville was well supplied with
forage. Supplies o)i grain and vegetables for feed and susten-
ance had been lavishly furnished by the government to the cit-
izens, who, under the plea of loyalty, obtained favors to which
they were in no wise entitled.
In truth they were not loyal, but were most of the time
a part and parcel of the guerrilla hands which constituted a
continual pest to the country. The friendly acts of Union
officers were returned, not in kind, hut with the reverse, burn-
ings and murder. None knew this condition better than the
oiheers and men of the Fiftieth, and now being to some extent,
compelled t^ live off of the country, they did not fail to
.
-j
'2'24 HISTORY OF THE
sweep clean the wel] filled grazieries, smoke houses, and the
fields of cattle, sheep and hogs.
Thus was inaugurated that true policy of war which
strikes at every element that can afford aid and comfort to the
enemy. The mailed hand of the Fiftieth was gloveless. It was
a question of business, and if the policy had been ..." earlier en-
forced the war would have been shortened by at least a year.
Eat up, burn and destroy, until un fenced desolation alone could
greet the sight, would have saved thousands of lives and untold
suffering among the ranks of loyalty, the comfort and protec-
tion of which were alone entitled to consideration.
The regiment having moved in light marching order and
the weather being cold and stormy, with much rain, there was
an immediate necessity for shelter. Buildings were therefore
torn dewn and hastily constructed into something like barracks
so as to make matters as comfortable as possible. There were
a number of young ladies in the town, but as they were violent-
ly secesh, but little attention was paid to them. Indeed they
were not worthy of attention; they all dipped snuff, and the
greater portion "chawed" long green tobacco. They possessed
no knowledge of what, in social lines, is termed the proprieties
and, take them all in all, they were a hard lot. A mulatto
woman having left on the train for Corinth, told Capt, McGiJ-
licuddy that her mistress, Lapson by name, had secreted one of
her b&y&, refusing to give him up, the Captain sought the slave
hider. and, while she admitted the truth of the charge she main-
tained she had as much right to the boy as any one, as she had
raised him.
The news indicated the evacuation of Corinth. Orders
were received for the troops to draw another pair of shoes, thus
indicating a long march ahead. If also disclosed determina-
tion upon the part of General Dodge that his men should not
again pass through the suffering experienced on the Tuscumbia
campaign.
The road to Iuka having been repaired^ orders were issu-
ed to be ready to move at a moments notice with three days
cooked rations. There. was no time lost; foraging parties were
..B-i
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
I>25
>. nt out and a supply of beef and sweet potatoes secured. Every
spare moment was given to letter writing, and the mails were
loaded with the hum*' missives.
On the morning of the 6th of November the command
inarched from Burnsville en route to Iuka, which place was
reached at noon, where a halt was made for dinner. The town
was deserted when the regiment arrived, the advance troops
having already gone.
Before the war Iuka had become a noted watering place
Springs of strong medical properties being in plenty. The
troops passing on, the Fiftieth took up its line of march as
rear guard, its position being at a considerable distance fron:
the troops in advance. Hardly had it moved a mile from Iuka
before its advance was fired into. A member of the 18th Mis-
souri riding with the orderly being wounded in the foot. At
once two companies of the regiment were deployed as skirmish-
ers, and advancing rapidly to the front, encountered the enemy
who, after a moments resistance, sought safety in night.
It was afterwards learned that the enemy comprised a
portion of Roddy's guerrillas under the command of Major
Fontaine, who, supposing there was no enemy between him and
Iuka. was on his way to that place to take in the supplies of
food and coffee said to have been left behind, whoa, to his sur-
prise, he struck the Fiftieth, and it is hardly necessary to re-
mark that he did not ":take his coffee. " And here occurred an
incident that to lie recalled to the mind of every member of the
Fiftieth then present, has only to be mentioned. Captain Me-
Gillicuddv, "being unwell, was riding in the ambulance in the
.. ' Ce
rear. The attack at the front was followed bv some scattering
shots along the line, and one ball went wickedly singing
through the top of the ambulance, and close, in fact uncomfor-
tably so, to the Captain alarmed at the suddenness of the at-
tack and anxious to reach his place in the line. Out tumbled
the Captain, yelling as be rushed along the line, kiSkiii your
eyes. Battery Company, skin your eyes/' On many a march
thereafter the good natured Captain heard "Skin your eyes"
from many a man who would have died for him if necessarv.
226
HISTORY OF THE
Eastportj eighteen miles from Burnsville, was reached
at dark and the preparations for camp begun, when at 9
o'clock the regiment was ordered by Colonel Bane, command-
ing brigade, to move forward to the river landing and cross
over at the earliest moment. On the \va\ the ghastly sight
was presented of large numbers of half buried skeletons,
mostly of tho rebel dead, half buried at first, the rain had
washed away the thin covering of earth which had enveloped
them and on every side could be seen the ileshless arms and
limbs, and the horridly grinning skulls, a protest as it were
from the dead to the living, who with careless tread and step
went by careless and indifferent to the unsightly scene.
The night was cold and frosty and it was not until near
3 o'clock in the morning that the regiment, with it train safely
crossed, pushed out some distance to the front and bivouacked.
Lieutenant Colonel Gaines falling sick, the command devolved
on Major Hanna, the Colonel taking boat for Nashville. Dur-
ing the day the regiment marched as rear guard and when six
miles on the way. while passing through a gorge with a creek
on one side and a bluff on the other the ambulance train was
fired into. As a result there was a jam and a smash lip, with
a loss of six horses, twelve mules and one man wounded. In
a few moments the bluff was cleared of the enemy, and the
command moved forward a distance of two miles and went into
-camp. It was found at roll-call in the evening, that one man
each were mi-sing from companies F and 1, presumably captu-
red while strau;gl in lt.
On the 8th, moved at daylight along the foot of the river
bluffs, until noon when the line of march passed up into the
level country. Owing to the length of the division train, there
was but little progress made. Malts were frequent and delays
occasioned thereby were annoying in the extreme. It was long-
after dark when the worn, weary regiment went into camp along
the banks of a small stream. Chilled and hungry, foot-sore and
weary, the night was passed rwt without suffering, so much so
that the morning light was hailed as the beacon of a better day.
At 5:30 the command took up the march, and as theroadswere
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
227
-
in better shape^ and the train divided into four sections, with a-
brigade to each part, good progress was made, and after fifteen
miles had been rolled off, camp was reached. During the day
the Quartermaster of the Fiftieth, with the efficient aid of the
Major's orderly, captured six head of cattle, and fresh beef for
supper was plenty, with sufficient, taken with other rations, for
a three days supply, ordered to be prepared during the night.
On the morning of the 10th reveilie sounded at 4 o'clock.
In was evident that Uncle Sam or his faithful agent General
Dodge, intended that the officers and men of his command
should earn their salary. At six o'clock the Fiftieth took posi-
tion as brigade train guard, two companies to every ten wagons.
Laudersdale was reached at noon. It was a cotton factory town
on Shoal creek, employing one hundred women, young and old.
The greater part of the command in advance crossed below the
dam. As the Fiftieth came in sight of the creek quite an ex-
panse of water spread itself to the view. The troops in front
crossing in squads or in single file, with nothing visible but
their heads and shoulders -gave currency to the impression that
they were wading, and it was not a strange illusion, for the
water to their near left being in plain view. The sight was
anything but pleasing, and the protest against breasting the
icy current of the stream found voice in the general expression
<>f 'Til he darned, it I am going to wade." However the
dread of such an experience was soon dispelled as, upon reach-
ing the stream, a favorable place was found below the dam upon
which to cross dry shod. As it first looked the illusion was
perfect^ the crossing being lower than the dam made it appear
as if the men were wading through the water.
At four o'clock in the afternoon Lexington, Alabama,
only one mile from the Tennessee Line, was reached and passed.
Crossing the "Blue Water," a crystal stream of pure water, and
reaching Sugar creek near the village of Pin Hook, camp was
made for the night.
At day-break on the J lth. the march was resumed with
Pulaski as the objective point, distant eighteen miles. The
troops were growing weary and showed a disposition to fall
*■
228
HISTORY OF THE
out of line, so much so that Major Hanna determined to try
the effect of music. He therefore ordered the band to play.
And all at once down the line the air was filled with the melody
of "Tb.e Girl I left Behind Me. ' Wonderful power of music,
every man was in line again, every step full of an impetus,
buoyantly exhilarant. The loud cheers of the men attested the
experiment's delightful result. It may well be believed that
the lesson of the day was never forgotten by Major Hanna, the
men declaring they could march, with music, easily ten miles
further in a day than without it. Pulaski was reached and
passed, the command going into camp on Big Bear creek, east
of the town,. where it expected to remain for several days. The
Nashville & Huntsville railroad runs through this town, and it
became well understood Unit the division, under direction cf
General Dodge, (famed as a railroad builder and engineer lie-
fore the war) is to rebuild and put into operation the 102
miles of the road now sadly out of repair. The turnpike from
Decatur to Nashville runs near by and parallel to the railroad
On the 12th, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, the regiment
took up its march for Lynnville, twelve miles north on the pike.
The town had been partially destroyed in 1862 by General Mc-
Cook, and the people were bitterly hostile to the Union and its
defenders. As the regiment was marching along the street a
number of women were ^■■■'■w looking from a window one of
whom spat upon some of the men near by. The filthy act
was regarded with complaisance, and even evoked Laughter
from her companions. The incident, however, being not with-
out a full reparation, for the regiment camped in a held in the
immediate rear of the house, and the front: parlors and rooms
were at once occupied as headquarters, the so-called ladies be-
ing relegated, to the hack rooms, and company E occupying the
out-buildings in rear of the house, This high toned family was
made up of two women, one white and "ne black, each having
two children, nearly grown, by the same father, who was away
at that tamo battling tor the south and the sacred institution
of slavery.
The country was rich in produce of every kind and char-
v
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS IXFAXTRY.
f>20
actor, and foraging met with an abundant return. Inder orders
from Colonel Bane, brigade commander, a number of hogs were
returned to their owner, who claimed to lie loyal, although the
chances were strongly in favor of the proposition that .he was
not only disloyal but a bush -whacking murderer. The truth is
that loyalty was as scarce in that locality as are the devil's
vows of righteousness.
On the 14th company H, while out on a foraging expedi-
tion for brigade headcruarters, was tired upon by a band of
"loyal" bush-whackers, who cowardly took to the hills as soon
as they saw the brave bovs making for them. The company
returned without loss, and loaded with provisions.
On the 16th companies B and G received orders to secure
mules on which to be mounted, and in pursuance thereof start-
ed out on a mule hunting expedition.
The next day General Dodge arrived in camp for the pur-
pose of consulting with Colonel Bane, who returned with him
to Pulaski. Before returning he ordered Major Hanna to
mount his regiment, and in furtherance of the purpose directed
the Major to proceed to Nashville and procure saddles and the
necessary equipments. Lieut. Colonel Gaines returned to the
regiment and Major Hanna, on the 19th, lei'l for Nashville.
The days were spent in active work. Companies B and G,
after a successful march, returned mounted, with three prison-
ers, a captain, lieutenant and private. Jesse Burns of company
G, was reported captured, hut escaped and within a few hours
after their return arrived in camp.
Commissions received for Henry King of company G, as
Regimental Quartermaster and Second Lieutenant Bissell as
First Lieutenant company A, vice Sergeant Moody, resigned.
The camp learned with high pleasure that Mrs. Bane, accom-
panied by Mrs. General Dodge, would soon reach the command.
Thursday, November ~<>, Thanksgiving day, was observed
as well as circumstances would allow. Many a letter was writ-
ten and heart messages sent to the beloved at home. Well
might the Nation raise its voice in praise and adoration to the
God of Battles, through whose protecting care and direction
y*'
230
HISTORY OF THE
victories have come to lighten and assuage the pains of battle
and to whisper peace to souls oppressed by war's dread sacrifice.
With the 28th information was received that ih^ regi-
ment would soon start on a scout. Major Hanna returned
from Pulaski with one hundred and seventy-two mules, and
with him came prospects of active service.
y 1' / J*\ \Tt**v\
l*s& \-
$£&^/i&**£ ty-;
S±.%j£^zg
^
CHAPTER XIV.
i
Out on a Raid to Shoal Creek under Major Hanna — A Cross Trail — The Death
of Corporal McGee — Rapid Mounting of the Regiment — Order No. 11 —
Expedition under Cols. Miller and Gaines— ''Hoe Cakes" — Reach Law-
renceburg — Camp un Blue Water — A Valuable Rooster — An Important
Discovery— An Exciting Pursuit— Gallant Action of Col. Gaines and his
Troopers — A Notable Capture — The Return to Lynnville.
On the 80th day of November, 1868, six companies of the
Fiftieth under Major Hanna, one company of the 89th Iowa,
and the 18th Missouri, all mounted and under command of
Colonel Miller of the ISth Missouri, rode out from their camps
at Lynnville, and at dark had marched thirty-live miles. The
details of this expedition are so well given by a participant that
they are adopted as a correct statement of movements incident
to ami connected with the raid. Taking up the story from the
second morning he says:
"To-day we moved three miles, reaching Shoal Creek,
where.' wo went into camp. Tie- country through which we had
marched, abounded in richly furnished farms with an abun-
dance of feed for our troops and animals. They were well
stocked with horses and mules, and as the purpose of the expe-
dition was largely to provide the regiment with cavalry ecpiip-
ment, these animals were right to our hand. The next day the
command moved up the creek and at night had made ten miles
toward our camp at Lynnville. We had swept the country
clean of good horses and mules. While the duty was in some
■**r
232
HISTOUY OF THE
respects a disagreeable one, yet the end to be accomplished by
the mounting of the regiment, was of such high import that we
swallowed all scruples,
"On the third, while passing along a road on a ridge, a
number of horse tracks were discovered, indicating that they
had crossed our road going in a northerly direction. It was
plainly to be seen that the crossing had been made after our
advance guard bad passed the point, as near as could be deter-
mined, at least twenty-five horses having passed over the way.
At once our command was halted and scouts thrown forward in
the direction taken bv the horses. Whether thev were mounted
or not could not be determined, but as the scouts returned and
reported nothing found, it was the conclusion that the tracks
had. been made by a loose herd. The return to camp was again
taken up, and on the Oth of December the command arrived
safely with thirty prisoners, mostly deserters, and a large num-
ber of horses and mules.
"On the 8th of December companies F, I and K, under
command of Major Hanna, made a detour through the country
returning on the 10th with a number of prisoners and horses.
While this service was being performed with signal abil-
ity and ardor, those in cam}) were saddened by the death of
Corporal Thomas C. MeGee. who enlisted from Mercer county,
as a member of company 1. As a mark of respect he was
buried with the honors. of war. As the procession followed his
remains it moved past a house near headquarters, at the door
of which were standing several rebel ladies. The sight, impo-
sing as it was solemn, the slow and measured tread of march-
ing men with arms reversed, the mulHed beat of drums and the
sad music from fifes, did not fail to have their effect upon the
lookers on in the doorway, and one of them was seen to enter
the house weeping. Inquiry brought the information that her
husband was a rebel prisoner in Ohio, and for one she could
realize the horrors of war, how those near and dear might be
sick and dying far from the comforting attendance and love of
home and friends.
As fast as possible the men of the regiment were being
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
9V\
mounted. Each man was furnished with four shoos, either fcr
horse or mule. These shoes were just as they came from the
forge of the factory, without nail-holes. Being, many of them,
large sized there was great difficulty in out fitting the mules. Of
course nails were not furnished and there was slow progress in
shoeing. Although the farriers, John Hoffman of E and Behy-
uu'Y and Foster of I), and their assistants worked early and late,
and, under the circumstances, did remarkably well.
From tramping on foot to riding on mule-back was a
transition so complete, from drudgery to ease, that the boys
were often inclined to test the relative speed and style of their
steeds. The orders required great care and attention on the
part of each .man for his horse or mule, and fast riding was
verbally forbidden. Notwithstanding which, the rule was daily
violated, and in order to effectively correct the violation, as
well as to establish a course of proceedure for the feeding and
care of their animals, the following orders were issued:
Headquarters 50th Illinois Infantry, )
Lynnyille, Tenn., Dec. 7, 1SC8. )
General Order, )
No. 1J )
I. While in camp the men of this command will not be
allowed to feed their mules more than four bundles of corn fod-
der per day.
II. Any enlisted man detected in riding his horse or
mule faster than a trot, (six) miles per hour, without permis-
sion from his commanding officer will be immediately and sum-
manly punished.
III. Xo one belonging to this command will be permit-
ted to pass outside the lines for the purpose of foraging, with-
out reporting to these headquarters first, and being placed un-
der a commissioned officer, who will, immediately upon his re-
turn to camp, report to the Regimental Quartermaster the
amount and kind of forage taken.
By order
Signed : Lieut. Col. T. W. GAINES.
Mervin Converse,
Lieut, and Act. Adjutant.
(15)
-V
284
HISTORY OF THE
Referring to the service and its exactions, one of the reg-
iment says :
"Shod, or unshod, when a company or detachment is
ordered out it mast go. Often the shoes would be taken along
in our saddle-bags,, in obedience to orders, and the nails left in
camp, thus presenting a splendid object lesson of how not to do
a thing rightly. Where the responsibility for such negligence
belongs it is not in our province to say.'1
On the 12th of December the 18th Missouri, Colonel Mil-
ler, and four companies of the Fiftieth Illinois, A, Lieutenant
Bissell; B, Captain Horn; D, Captain Rickart and E, Captain
Cyrus, under the command of Lieut. Col. Gaines, attended by
Assistant Surgeon A. G. Pickett, Commissary Sergeant George
Walker, Regimental Wagonmaster, John C. Lewis, and Orderly
C. F' Hubert, moved out of camp under command of Colonel
Miller, the object being to pursue and break up certain baiuis
of guerrillas under the rebel Roddy, that were operating along
the Tennessee river with rendezvous near Lawrenceburgh, twen-
ty-seven miles west from Lynnville.
The history of this march and scout, is thus graphically
detailed by one of the participants. He writes:
"On the first day out we marched seven miles to Camels-
ville, and stopped at an old reb's place at dark, fed his corn and
fodder and issued from his smoke house as much pork as the
bovs were in heed of. 'With an eve single to demands of the
next day, the old aunties were set at work baking "hoe cakes''
on a board set before the tire, and under the inspiring sight ot
some Yankee shinpiasters, and the poetic story of the freedom
in store for them, the black cooks worked with a will through
the night, until a supply suflicient for the command the next
day had been prepared. How the old Dinah's did work for
"Massa Linkunrs sogers" that night, they fully expecting to
move on with them toward "de Ian' of freedom." At two
o'clock on the morning of the 13th, we were quietly awakened
had breakfast and at three started on our march, reaching Law.
retieehurgh. distant 20 miles, by eight o'clock a. m. Here rest-
ing £q$ a short time we resumed our march and beyond Law-
V
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
•j
rencebitrgli between seven and eight miles, we halted on what is
known as ''Hall's plantation," for dinner. The proprietor of
tlif plantation was a rich old rebel. At one o'clock p. m. the
command resumed its march toward Lexington, Alabama, dis-
tant, thirteen miles, and only one mile beyond the line separa-
ting Tennessee from Alabama.
At Lexington it was expected we would meet a part of
the 7th Illinois, which had left Pulaski on the 11th, with orders
to join our command at this point, but before reaching Lexing-
ton orders were given to stop on the "Bine Water," four miles
away, where we went into camp with plenty of forage for our
horses and mules and an ahuhdarice oi good things for the men.
During the march of this day, forty-live miles, we had a num-
ber of collisions with the rebel bush-whackers, who hung on
our flanks and rear, but drove them off without much trouble
and no loss. While the horses stood the racket in good shape,
not so with the mules, manv of thorn having become so foot-
yore as to move only with great pain and difficulty. The greater
part of them never having had on saddle or bridle until mus-
ered into Uncle Sam's service on the 12th, and while they were
at first unruly, the experience of a two days march has made
them extremely docile, so much so that the most of them would
rather lie down than march. Realizing the necessity as devel-
oped by the situation, their riders are taking the very best care
of their long eared companions.
In all <>ur marching and camping during our service and
up to this time this camp is the best supplied with every article
conducive to comfort. The old man and his family have felt
the mailed hand of war. His two sons and a son-in-law are in
the rebel army, and his fine plantation has been run over and
devastated by troops from both sides. He is at heart a Union
man, and gives of his best, willingly, to our troops. The men
are not slow to help themselves and as they are chasing the
chickens, one of the young ladies pathetically exclaims, "I do
hope they will not take that rooster, he always crows when I
a
am to get a letter from my Henry," Whereupon orders are
v
"2o(j * HISTORY OF THE
given to save that rooster, and so far as is known to the world,
this order was obeyed;
The next morning, the 14th, we break camp at daybreak,
and moved three miles up the creek to the military road. Our
way up the creek led us so that we had to cross and re-cross
several times. At one of these crossings Lewis Slater's (com-
pany B) mule stumbled, and falling, threw him forward several
feet into a deep hole. As he went down he gave a yell, which
was suddenly cut short as he went under. In a moment he was
in sight, blowing water and struggling for the shore, when his
mule came tumbling upon him and forced him into still deeper
water, under the roots of a large tree. It looked for the mo-
ment as though the incident would end in a tragedy, and the
shouts of the boys were hushed, when all at once Slater crawled
up the bank and, with bridle in hand, yanked his war steed
out, remounted him, shook the water out of his ears and both
marched on rejoicing.
When the command struck the military road, (so called
because laid out from Nashville to New Orleans by General
Jackson), and also known as the telegraph road, company B of
the Fiftieth, with the 18th Missouri, under Colonel Miller, sep-
arated from us and marched toward Florence, Alabama. When
within four miles of that place they encountered and drove in
the rebel pickets. Taking the military road, Colonel Gaines
moved towards Hall's plantation, where we arrived about four
o'clock p. m.
The old man, Hall, did not feel complimented by our
stay. Remembering having passed a crib full of corn and a
new wagon at a place two miles below Hall's, on the road pre-
viously taken, Colonel Gaines and Ass't Surgeon Pickett, with
a .sergeant and nine men, went down to load the wagon, stay all
night, intending to return in the morning and take the corn into
camp. Arriving at the place and questioning the owner, (Mr.
Blue), who gave evidence of loyalty, the Colonel found that a
body o( about 85 confederates, mostly conscripts, had passed in
the afternoon, and were encamped three miles below his house.
Blue gave the geography of the vicinity and offered to guide him
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
23'
to the camp. The sergeant and squad were directed to remain,
he alert, and allow no one to leave the place, while the Colonel
and Surgeon hastened back to the camp at Hall's to make ar-
rangements to move at an early hour in trie morning, and, if
possible, surprise and fall upon the enemy at dawn. At throe
o'clock on the morning of the 15th, the men having breakfasted.
Colonel Gain"s moved at early dawn quietly from camp, with a
force of forty of the best mounted. During the morning we
had learned that the enemy had changed camp, but were still
in our vicinity, so it was decided to leave as a reserve, the men
whose mules were foot-sore, with instructions to arrest every
citizen who should appear, and if they heard firing in front in-
dicating that we were engaged, to move to our assistance as rap-
idly as possible. As before stated, the command moved at day-
light and, as it proceeded, left a guard of one or two at every
house reached and passed, with instructions to allow no one to
leave the premises until our return. Moving cautiously for
eight miles, at about ten o'clock we came to the spot where the
enemy had camped the riigrit before. From the evidence at
hand we judged they had broken camp about an hour before.
By reason of details, as before stated, our force had now
become reduced to twenty-five men, and we learned that there
were about thirty-five in the band, but as we believed them to
be guerrillas, we did not fear them. Pushing on rapidly the
trail soon became a hot one, and within a mile from their camp
of the night, wo found where they had stopped to feed. Every
indication now attested that they were not more than llfteen
minutes in advance. There was no difficulty in following the
trail made by tho'column,'and we were rapidly approaching an
expected overtaking, when all at once we struck the track of a
hurricane of the March before. Its course through the timber
was marked with great havoc Its path was half a mile wide,
within which there was scarcely a tree loft standing, some had
been twisted off, some torn up by the roots leaving great holes,
the roots, covered with dirt, standing ton feet or more high.
Neither man nor beast could go through this debris of the
Zoo
HISTORY OF THE
storm save in a zig zag way. As it was we followed the trail
made by the enemy in single file.
In the middle of this rack and rain of the storm, stood
a small farm house, which we did not discover until within a
couple of hundred yards of it, and when we did we halted to
look around, and. this is what we saw, beyond the house a small
field, between us and the house passed a narrow road and a lane
used as a farm yard, in which were a number of horses and men
dismounted, extended from the road towards the house. The
horses were eating, and from the rising smoke and actions of
the men, it was evident preparations were going on for a noon-
day meal. Col. Gaines immediately ordered all but five men,
who were to remain with the mules, to dismount. Then direc-
ted Captain Rickart to take the dismounted men and cautious-
ly move around to the left so as to take them in flank and
rear, and as soon as in position to open fire, which would be the
signal for the attack by the small force in front, consisting of
himself and the live attendants. This force was but poorly
armed. The commissary sergeant being a non-combattant,
had no weapon, either for attack or defense. Orderly Hu-
bert had a small 22 Smith & Wesson revolver. Sergeant La-
throp had his musket, while the others were armed with re-
volvers. This force1 had taken cover behind the up-turned roots
of a large oak. The guard with the mules had positive orders
to keep them from braying the notes <>f alarm. Fifteen
minutes, each one of which seemed as long as an hour, earne
and went, and no sound from Kiekart, who was bravely strug-
gling with adverse circumstances, to reach his appointed place.
And now a new cause for anxiety sprung up. Four of the ene-
. my were observed to mount their horses and ride out of the farm
yard into the road. It was plain the road constituted an outlet
by which the enemy, if not at once assaulted, could effect an
escape to our right. There- was not a moment to lose; at every
risk the lane must be blockaded. Placing himself at the head
of his force of five men, the Colonel gave the order "Forward,"
and awav we started. Tt was truly hazardous for six men
poorly armed, to attempt such a movement, but there are times
V
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
239
when success hangs on the very casting of the die, and when to
hesitate is to lose everything. The ground in our front was a
little more open than where we had entered the track of the
hurricane. In the lead was the Colonel and Surgeon, and as,
for the second time, the command "Forward" rang out loud and
clear, followed by a cheer, the four johnnies drew rein and hal-
ted, and discovering our approach, whirled their horses and
started back to the house shouting, "the Yankies are coming.''
One of them, as he started back, fired, the ball passing between
the Colonel and Orderly Hubert, barely missing the surgeon,
and passing on uncomfortably close to the head of the horse
upon which Sergeant Lathrop wan riding. ■ The horse, greatly
frightened, swerved to one side, thus bringing the sergeant's
musket into collision with a stump, knocking it from his hand
(o the ground, but coolly, and without dismounting, the ser-
geant whirled his horse around and reaching down lifted his
musket from the ground, taking position in rear of Commissary
Sergeant Walker.
With a ringing cheer our charging column of six men
dashed forward, while in our rear the five holding the mules,
N't up a cheer; the mules, catching the spirit and excitement
raised their tails and brayed like heroes. On dashed the -squad ;
the road being now reached, and crossed, and charging, six
against ->7, into the face of a volley fired by the enemy, but with
such haste and so poorly aimed as to prove of no hurt. In the
meantime we poured in what fire we had at our command, and,
shouting, as if to those behind us, "come on boys, here they are,
here they are;'' while Lathrop in loud tone commanded, "bring
up the regiment. Major, here they are; we'll whip h — 1 out of
them." From Rickart's command, now advancing as rapidly
as possible, came the .answering reply; "we're coming."
While the enemy, greatly frightened, were scattering in
every direction ; but their commanding officer, evidently a brave
man, seeing only six men in sight, cried out to his men, "halt!
halt, you d — d fools, there are only six of them," This brought
the most of his command, to a halt, and some show of resist-
ance, but just then the fore sent to the left under Captain
240
HISTORY OF THE
Rickart opened fire and away went the johnnies for good.
leaving behind to be captured, their commanding officer,
Major Fontaine, and four men, with twenty-five horses, thirty
stands of arms and the dinner in course of preparation. The
rout and capture was attended with many interesting incidents.
One reb. lired his carbine within a few feet of the Colonel and.
missing, threw up his hands in token of surrender; lie was
kindly treated but he should have been shot on the spot.
When the enemy broke for the timber the Colonel, with
Hubert and Lathrop, followed them. Shot after shot was ex-
changed between the Colonel and a rebel Captain Brown, and
strange tp say, without effect. The rebel Brown took cover be-
hind a tree and every time lie protruded his head to fire Colonel
Gaines, who was standing on a log, fully exposed, would take a
crack at him, and so the duel continued until called to an end
by Lathrop and his musket. On return to the house we found
that Major Fontaine, Adjutant upon the staff of the rebel
bush-whacker and guerrilla Roddy, had been captured. In-
stead of eighty-live conscripts Fontaine had thirty-seven
picked men from Roddy's command, for the special duty upon
which he had been engaged. Nearly every horse captured was
loaded down with boots, shoes and supplies which the prisoners
said had been purchased from our sutlers. From their declar-
ations, supported by facts gathered elsewhere, these reckless
men had been in and through some of our camps and impor-
tant fortifications. They had returned to within their own
lines and felt completely safe from attack. That the capture
of the Major was an important one is evidenced by the fact
that on his person were found plans of the fortifications within
our lines, including those at Franklin, Tennessee. The Major
said he had no idea that six men would have made such a
charge, and that nobody but a d — d fool would have followed
him there. 'Tf I had known that you were coming I would
have placed my men behind the trees and not one of you would
have got away*" "But," remarked Colonel Gaines, who was
nettled by the remank- "by Joe Betsy, you didn't know it,
sah/' Hearing Colonel Gaines address one of the party as
-Vi
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
241
''Surgeon," Major Fontaine asked if that was his surgeon :
receiving an affirmative reply he asked if all our d — d doc-
tors fight like that. ""If they do," he said, "they fight like the
devil/' He seemed i^ be a little facetious, and pointing to
Charlie Huhert said. "I saw that little devil last week.
When we were going north we passed across the road between
the advance guard and the main body of a scouting partv un-
der command oi Major Hanna, .he was with the Major and no-
ticed our tracks."
He was very talkative and claimed to have snapped his
revolver six times at the Colonel, Surgeon and Orderly as they
were the first in the gnfi, but it missed fire. This was plainly
a result of his imagination, as his two revolvers were found
where he had thrown them into a wood-pile, empty of every
shot. One of his men stated that he saw the Major shoot
three times after we had charged into the yard. Whether
this was so or not. this is true, the bullets, for a few mo-
ments, flew thick and most uncomfortably close. rj ne Major
informed us that he belonged to Roddy's cavalry: that he
had been up to Columbia, <m Duck river, to see if the rail-
road bridge had been rebuilt and, if so, his orders were to
destroy it : that he was to report to Colonel Johnson', of his
regiment, whose camp was only two miles beyond; that all
his men but two were armed with a musket or carbine and a
six-shooting revolver, but he claimed they were conscripts and
wouldn't fight : a statement hardly in keeping with the fact,
as he had picked lus roenj or with the additional reason
that conscripts would hardly be selected for so dangerous, as
well as so delicate, a duty.
The men, however, talked different, and in taking their
names we learned they had been in the army from the first
commencement of hostilities; that thoy wore picked from dif-
ferent regiments forth* expedition; th&t they had been near
Franklin, Tenn., and in our camps, of course in disguise, where
they had purchased supplies of boots, shoes, and other stores.
The nearness of the enemy and the condition of our force
made prompt action necessary; in order to put distance between
-■a
242
HISTORY OF THE
us and the already apprised enemy, for it was certain that word
of our nearness would be carried by those who had escaped from
us. Accordingly the march to the rear was commenced, the
objective point being Hall's plantation, ten miles back. There
we arrived at five p. m., and being joined by our reserves and
guards, posted as before stated, we pushed on for Lawrence-
burgh, which place we reached about seven o'clock p. m., where
we remained until 12 o'clock, midnight.
The feet of our mules were in a desperate condition, but
the men finding a lot of fresh hides, from cattle killed for the
troops, hastily fashioned out moccasins, and fastening them
on greatly relieved the pain and suffering of their dumb,
but patient and • loyal friends. The march that night was a
severe strain upon soldiers and animals. The night was at first
intensely dark and rainy, and the road, in many places, so
muddy as to be almost impassable. Major Fontaine was care-
fully guarded. Mounted upon a white mule with Captain Cy-
rus upon one side and Surgeon Pickett upon the other, hn was
watched as property beyond all value. From time to time hfs
guards were relieved.
The Major was a genial gentleman and evidently a good
soldier. He told us during the night march, of his war experi-
ences, that he was at Winchester, Va., also at Yicksburg. in
General Pemherfeon's service as a courier, and had carried dis-
patches to General Johnston ; that in order to reach the Gen-
eral he was compelled to lloat down the river through our fleet,
and. being in full uniform, was in great risk of capture; that
on one occasion his dug out having run against the anchor
chain of the steamer Hastings, a man supposed to be the watch,
asked him where he was going; his reply being "to look after
my lines ;■" whereupon the guard requested him to bring him
Bome lish in the morning, all of which lie promised to do. He
claimed that he had carried fifty pounds of musket caps into
Yicksburg during the seige. That he had attacked us the day
we left Iuka, .-hooting, through the foot, one of the ISth Mis-
souri, who was riding with the orderly in advance.
Thus we passed away the night in one of the hardest
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
248
■
marches in the regimental record, and at S o'clock on the moiv
niiig of the 16th, We rode into our camp at Lynnville, having
marched fifty-four miles in twenty-four hours, with only one
feed for our stock, and without sleep, save what was obtained in
the saddle.
That this expedition was of great value is attested
through the importance attached to it by the report given be-
low from Genera] Dodge to General Grant, as well as General
Thomas7 report to authorities at Washington, as follows :
From War Record: — From General G. M. Dodge's report
to General U. S. Grant :
'Tulaski, Tfnn., Dec. 15th, 1868.
Ma.t. Gex. U. 6. Grant,
Chattanooga :
"I captured a party of rebel? to-day under command of
Major Joe. Fontaine, Gen. Roddy's Adjutant. They had been
on a reconnaisance along the line of Chattanooga and Nashville
railroad. They tapped the telegraph and took off a number of
dispatches and, I guess, got pretty well posted. Their orders
were to examine thoroughly the railroad between Columbia and
Nashville, and to endeavor to capture a train loaded with pris-
oners from Chattanooga. They are evidently posted on the
weakness of the force between Columbia and Nashville, and, no
doubt, will endeavor to burn tlio.se bridges. 1 have a man in
from Montgomery, Ala., eight days on the road. All troops in
Alabama picking up conscripts are ordered to Hardee.
G. M. DODGE, Brig. Gen'L.
From Gen'i Geo. H. Thomas' report to Lorenzo Thomas.
From War Record :
January 15, 18(34.
"Adjutant General, T.\ S. :
Dec. loth, 186S, a small party of rebels under Major Joe
Fontaine, Roddy's Adjutant, was captured by General Dodge,
near Pulaski. Th»\v had been on a reconnaisance along Nash-
ville A' Chattanooga and Nashville Sz Decatur railroads."
Of course when General Dodge reported that ''I captur-
>'d", lie meant he captured by proxy.
244
HISTORY OF THE
This raid was in many respects one of the most success-
ful of the many participated in by the Fiftieth. In four days
nearly one hundred and fifty miles had been covered, the com-
mand being supported by the country. A brilliant movement
in pursuit of an enemy accidentally discovered, followed up by
an assault upon largely superior numbers, and all crowned with
a success worthy of the gallant men and officers who planned
and won the victory. That this was not accomplished without
great privation and suffering was evidenced by the command as
it rode into cam]) at daylight, after a twenty-seven mile march
from midnight, presenting as it did, a woeful sight of men and
mules, hungry, mud-bedraggled and sleepy. It being a six to
one and a half-dozen to the other which offered the most dilap-
idated appearance, the mules or their riders.
CHAPTER XV.
To Veteran or not to Veteran — The Question Settled — Preparations for the Re-
turn to Illinois -Waiting for Orders —The March to Duck River — On the
Way Home — Reception along the Way — Crawfordsville — Home — The
Welcome — Happy Days— Recruiting — The End of the Furlough — Haste-
ning to Quincy — Preparations for Departure to the Front.
'HE time had come for settlement of the question as to
whether or not the regiment would re-enlist, and thus be-
come a veteran organization. The proposition upon the
part of the government was extremely fair. A bounty of #802
and a return home for thirty days, possessed attractions not to
be easily overcome.
Entering the service in September, 18.61, the regiment, in
order to perfect its three years service would necessarily have
to continue in the held for almost another year, and this,
coupled with the general belief that the war was approaching
its end, furnished an argument in favor of re-enlistment hard
to withstand. Its recent active service tended to enhance the
desire of the regiment to see an end of the war and to be a par-
ticipant therein. To be in at the death of the rebellion, and
then to march home in triumph and receive from a grateful
country the plaudit of well done, carried with it the influences
so attractive in contemplation that many yielded to its pursua-
sive influence. Then there was another and a higher impulse
that moved the hearts of the men in the ranks, and that was
duty: Active service, the experiences of the march, camp and
i>4b
HISTOllY OF THE
battle, had moulded thorn from raw soldiers into the trained
and uniformed rank of veterans in the field. And as they had
at the start felt the sway of that, imperious call of country they
now wtn'e compelled to yield every objection to its further ap-
peal to their patriotism. Around the camp fires at night,' and
during the duties of the day, the reasons fur as well as against
re-enlistment were presented, considered, and the result deter-
mined without the influence of demand or command upon the
part of the officers. For in this matter, as in many others, the
volunteer soldier exercised a power never before, held by any
other enlisted men in other countries or in other wars. In the
strictest sense he war, not a soldier, but a citizen engaged in the
work of preserving and upholding law, and maintaining the
public peace and quiet. So soon as his work was accomplished
he intended to return to his home and take up the lines of
peace which he had dropped at the summons of law and au-
thority to battle.
The hope of the rebelli: n was, that the three years troops
for the Union, tired of the war. would" refuse to re-enlist and, re-
turning home as their enlistment expired, would not only leave
the armies of Lincoln weakened, but would, in a larger sense,
create disaffection throughout the north. Again there was a
feeling that as the war was approaching its end the honor of
bringing it to a victorious close, would rest with everlasting
grace upon the shoulders of those who finished it, so that the
men who had borne the brunt of the battle could ill afford to
have their successors win and wear the decorations which would
come to them, without having been exposed to the danger, trials
and sufferings met, overcome or endured by the men of 1801.
While the regiment, as an organization, determined upon a re-
enlistment, yet there were individual cases wherein men whose
record as soldiers, was beyond reproach, who were compelled to
differ with their more fortunate comrades.
Hard service, broken health, or worse than all, misfor-
tune at home, through death or because of mismanagement of
business affairs, justified their refusal, and it is no reflection
upon either their courage or patriotism, that they felt the' no-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
24
cessity of declining a service beyond that contemplated by their
original enlistment. Without thought of injury to their feel-
ings the term "S to ten-bottle" was applied to them ; a title
which will cling to them unto the end.
By the 20th of December muster-out and muster-in rolls
were rapidly approaching completion, and on the 24th Captain
Cyrus was detailed to act as a recruiting officer in behalf of the
veteran organization.
The discharge from the service was in the usual form,
with the exception that the reason assigned was for the purpose
of re-enlisting as a Veteran Volunteer, and each discharge bore
tiie date of December 81st, 1363.
On the 26th of December Lieutenant Colonel Gaines,
with two enlisted men from each company left for Illinois
under orders to act as recruiting officers for the regiment. The
mail carried the intelligence north that the regiment had veter-
anedj and the letters carried joy into many a heart and house-
hold. In addition to this letters went out for broad cast dis-
tribution, in which the loyal sons of Illinois were urged to en-
list and thus till up the ranks of the "Blind Half Hundred,"
receiving therefor "not onlv the high honor of serving in one of
the best regiments in the service, but also a bounty of $802,
good, clothes, and $13 a month, witJilots of fan." There is no
question but that this sowing of the letters brought forth :i
bountiful harvest.
The enlistment having been perfected the next thing
looked for was the appearance of the mustering officer. It will
always remain in the memory of each man of the regiment how
wearily the daya went by. Every morning, indeed almost every
hour of the day and night, rumors of his coming were set afloat
until the starter of the news was often treated with a roughness
bordering on violence.
The draft in Illinois was to begin on the 5th of Jauuarv,
and the men were anxious to be home before that time, so as not
only to receive accessions to the regiment, but also to assist in
trimming up the copperheads and their allies, whom, it is un-
to
243
HISTORY OF THE
derstood, were preparing to resist the government in its effort to
fill the decimated ranks at the front.
But the days came and wont, and no mustering officer ap-
peared. All papers were ready for him, and Surgeon Kendall
inspecting each company, stood the men in liue and bade them
raise their arms, when up they went quickly, then to swing
them, and round they went, then jump, and a high article of
performance was furnished. Some of the men having had a
doubt as to their acceptance, but the good Surgeon, remember-
ing how loyal to duty these bronzed and duty loving men had
been, laughed approvingly at their antics and departed with
the cheering words, "I guess you will do," and with him all
doubting, for the. one great ordeal had been passed.
On the 80th of December, by direction from brigade
headquarters, and pursuant to special regimental order No. 45,
commanders of companies A and B were ordered at once to
commence the erection of barracks for their commands.
With the 81st of December came word that within the
next few days the mustering officer would appear and complete
the work of re-enlistment. There was nothing to do but to wait.
The day was intensely cold, and by night the ground was frozen.
It was a hard night for the picket, whose duty is, at the best,
lonely and dreary. Severe as was the storm for the northern
soldiers who were out in it. it had all tie' elements of a freeze out
for the rebels. The Fiftieth were comfortably settled in their
quarters, and those not on duty, sitting before roaring fires, that
threw out heat and joy to all within reach. All at once
there broke upon the wintrv air a shout, the clank of sabres
and the trampling of horses' feet, and before time was given to
open the doors of the houses in which the Fiftieth were quarter-
ed, from the inside, they were pushed open and in rushed, half
frozen, a number of Kilpatrick's cavalry, who were on their way
to Pulaski. They had suffered terribly, and leaving their
horses to shift for themselves, were received with warm hearted
hospitality by the members of the Fiftieth. Soon they were
served with hot coffee, hard tack and everything else at the dis-
posal o( their hosts, and when fully supplied with good cheer,
V
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
249
;i,,.v were rolled up in blankets, and occupied the beds gener-
• m.slv surrendered to them.
January 1, 1864, will always be remembered as the epld-
.-t day of the war. In fact in the memory of the oldest inhab-
itant it stands alone on the calendar of the century. Early
morning found the Fiftieth out earing for the poor horses who
had bunched up in the street the live long night, covered with
frozen mud, the saddles and equipments, including carbines,
were welded to them by the icy blow of winter. After great care
the poor horses were stripped and led away to be watered and
iVd, the cavalry men cleaned up their accoutrements and, after
a good hot breakfast, resumed their inarch. As they rode away
<>ne of the Fiftieth boys called out lustily, "who wouldn't be a
cavalryman at $13 a month."
As the Fiftieth was mounted, it was deemed advisable to
avail itself of the privilege allowed of enlisting and placing on
tin' rolls, as cooks and assistants, men now known as Ameri-
can Citizens of African descent, and on the 1st day of January
the. following companies provided themselves with cooks, viz:
Company. A, three ; B, two; D, three; E, three; F. three; G,
three; H, one ; I, two and K, three — twenty-three men in all.
Although enlisted on the 1st of January, they were not muster-
'"1 until the 28th of April following. Of the number one died
at Home, Ga., one was discharged for disability, one deserted
before muster and four after, the remainder served faithfully
until the end of the war, and were, as the company rolls show,
mustered out with the regiment. There is no risk in giving ex-
pression to the opinion that the members of the regiment will
always recall witli pleasure, the true and really valuable service
performed by these humble men. and that their good wishes
fellow them wherever they may be.
The day, although cold, was enlivened by the 89th Ohio
marching through the streets, under torn and tattered flags,
and keeping step to th<j inspiring strains of Yankee Doodle,
bound for home. It goes without saying that the Fiftieth look-
ed on and just cussed the fates that held them hack* but their
ill-feeling. was somewhat molifled when the news came, with?
(lb)
250
HISTORY OF THE
iu the next few days, that four of the 89th had frozen to death
on their way by rail to Nashville.
On the 3rd the 27th Ohio pulled out for home, followed
on the 5th, by the 48th, the last of the Ohio brigade.
On the 5th Generals Dodge, Crook and Smith visited
Lynnville and from them it was learned that the railroad had
been completed from Nashville to Duck river, distant from
Lynnville twenty miles.
On the Oth, the 5th Iowa cavalry, dismounted, marched
by on their way home, and other regiments followed. And now
there came a change to the regiment; it gave up worrying about
home, having wisely concludes to bide its time. Instead of
hungering for home, it hungered for good things to eat. The
country round about was covered, with foraging parties and
paid high tribute to the no longer disgruntled boys in blue.
Sometimes small parties went out through the lines without
orders or permission, and if discovered in this clandestine act,
were subject to punishment. But they took the chances all the
same, and frequently returned bringing in with them in addi-
tion to forage, some skulking butternut, who was at once turned
over to the officer in command, while the gallant soldier was
generally rewarded with some punishment for being absent
without permission.
The 10th of January had now arrived and no mustering
officer, and although enery effort at hand was made to hurry
him lip, nothing but failure was reaped until the 15th, when
Major Hanna, taking a small force as a body guard, set out for
Pulaski, and returning, brought the long looked and wished for
officer, who arriving at 4 p. in,, at once commenced the muster,
with the result that the same evening companies A, B, D and I
were mustered and ready to move.
In view of an early departure north the companies met
and nominated their officers for commissions under the veteran
organization.
On the next day, the IGth, the remaining six companies
were mustered, and all arrangements for a start having been
completed, the regiment gaily took up its line of march for
FtFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
251
-
i
"God's Country,'' as tlio boys expressed it. The camp was left
in charge of the "stoteri-bottles," and never was trust placed in
safer liands.
The inarch had no sooner commenced than it settled into
-a race, for just as the regiment stretched its line into the road,
there came, with shoutings and blare of trumpets, the 66th Ill-
inois on its way from Pulaski home. If it expected to find
the Fiftieth waiting by the roadside as it had for many days,
for orders to leave; waiting and grumbling; it was doomed to
disappointment, for right in its front marched the Fiftieth.
As the railroad accommodations were limited to one reg-
iment t<> the train, and as there was only one train a day, it
followed that the regiment last at Columbia would have to re-
main over one day. Time was, in this case, an important fac-
tor. Jt was twenty-four miles from Lynnville to Columbia,
and both regiments swung out with route step along the pike
leading from place to place, As the 66th had lately seen more
marching service on foot than the Fiftieth (owing to the latter
having been mounted) it soon became apparent that they
would not only overtake, but might capture, the right of way.
Without declaring his intention. Major Hanna, having found a
comfortable camping ground, well supplied with wood and water
moved from the pike and halted, as for the night, going at once
into bivouac. As the 66th 'swept by with laughter and shouts,
under flying colors, and to the inspiring music of fife and
drum, the rage of the apparently beaten regiment was hardly
held within bounds. Yet there were some of the cooler heads
who counseled patience.
So the 66th marched by and a short distance beyond, it.
too, went into camp, fortunately for the Fiftieth, around a bend
in the road, feeling secure in the belief that it had an unobstruc-
ted way open to the railroad and home. Of one thing it was
certain, it had run down the Fiftieth, and, as it were, captured
the honors. Waiting until the night had fully settled and,
from observation taken, satisfied that the 66th, secure it its
position, had settled itself for the night, the Major rode back
arid ordered his command into line. His scheme was thus
i>5:>
HISTORY OF THE
readily disclosed ; there was to be a night march in which the
sleeping 66th would have no winning part. Quietly moving
along the pike the rival camp was reached and nearly passed
without discovery; when, all at once, the assembly sounded,
and such a tumbling into ranks as there was, but without avail,
for the Fiftieth, with blood up, fifes playing and drums beating,
with swinging step swept on its way beyond the reach of the
pursuing regiment. Arriving at Duck river, it crossed over on
flat boats or by fording, many of the men rushing through the
icy water, so anxious to be first in position at the depot, one
and a halt miles distant, which point was reached by the entire
regiment at 11 o'clock p. m.
Happy in. having overcome the 66th so handsomely, the
regiment built fires by which the men who had forded the
stream could dry themselves, and all awaited the coming train,
which arrived shortly after midnight, and by one o'clock a. m.
was on its wav a^ain to Nashville. Owing to numerous delays
occasioned from the disabling of the engine, it was five o'clock
p. m. of the 17th before the regiment had reached its quarters
in a church at Nashville. At daylight on the 18th it boarded
the Louisville train, and that city, 185 miles distant was reach-
ed at live o'clock in the afternoon. Here were found a number
of regiments awaiting their pay.
In consultation among the officers it was decided to pre-
pare the muster and pay-rolls at once, and by the next morning,
19th, they were complete and ready for the paymaster. When
the company officers appeared with their rolls before that offi-
cer he inquired. "When did your regiment arrive?'' and when
told "Last night at live p. m.,'* he asked "Are your muster
rolls all signed and ready?'" the answer was, "Yes, Sir."
"When did you prepare them?" "Last night.'' To which he
replied, "Well, if you are ready, I will pay your regiment; any
set of officers who will work all night for their men shall be
paid at one*/."
So by night the regiment was paid off, each private re-
ceiving two hundred and eight dollars. Here the regiment re-
mained until the 20th, when it marched through live inches of
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
25;
snow, to the river, and crossing over to New Albany, at eight a.
m., there remained until two o'clock in the afternoon, when its
train pulled out for Lafayette, Indiana. When hardly twenty-
five miles on its way, a car jumped the track, detaining it all
night. At six p. m., th^ next day, Crawford sville was reached,
and a grand reception and splendid supper at the depot, beau-
tifully decorated with flags and flowers, was tendered by the
loyal women, and accepted with grateful thanks, the whole
feast being supplemented with an elocpient speech of welcome,
pronounced by Major General Lew. Wallace, who commanded
the division of which the Fiftieth was a part, at Donelson.
After an hour most happily spent, the regiment re-entered the
train and proceeded on its way. 111 fortune seemed, however,
to attend its way home, for an accident at the Slate Line de-
tained the train spveral hours, so that it was not, until dark
on the evening of the 22ud that Springfield was reached.
Two hours later the train bearing the tired, but happy, men
nearer and nearer to their homes and loved ones, was on its
way to Quincy, which place marked the destination of the reg-
iment, and was reached at three o'clock on fee next morning,
the 23rd, where a committee on reception from the Soldiers'
Aid Society, headed by Hon. Harrison Dills, received it in due
form, and escorted it to the Court House for quarters. Every
attention possible looking to the comfort of the returned veter-
ans, was shown by the authorities and citizens, more especially
by the loyal ladies.
The Quincy Whig and Republican thus mentions the
current events of the day:
"The regiment of Adams County boys arrived home this
morning. Notwithstanding the unseasonableness of the hour
they were met at the depot by a committee appointed for that
purpose, and welcomed in a brief speech by Harrison Dills, Esq.,
and escorted to the Court House, that being the only place that
could be procured in the city. About 55-4-0 of the regiment have
enlisted, of whom B05 are now here, the others being detained
from various causes, but will arrive soon.
*"At Craw ford sri He; Indiana, they wer© entertained bv
I
254 HISTORY OF THE
the ladies, who furnished them with a splendid supper, and
General Lew. Wallace, in whose division they once served, made
a speech, complimenting them very highly for bravery and effi-
ciency upon several occasions.
"Tneywere shown many attentions by the ladies of Craw-
ford svi lie, for which they were very grateful.
k'The ladies of this city furnished them with a dinner at
two o'clock this afternoon at Pinkham's Hall, and at four they
gave a dress parade.
"They will receive their thirty days furlough and at the
expiration of which they are required to report at General
Dodge's headquarters, unless counter orders are received from
the Avar department. This, however, will be determined in a
few days.
"Colonel Bane did not come with the regiment, as he
could not be spared just at present; as soon as he can he will
be home on a brief furlough accompanied by his staff."
• On the 24th Col. Bane arrived and at once assumed com-
mand. Under his orders furloughs were issued to the enlisted
men with instructions to report at headquarters in Quincy
February 25th. Thus giving the brave men and patriots thirty
days at home before once more entering upon the privations
and dangers of a soldier's life.
Referring to the reception of the regiment, and its so-
journ at Quincy, The V>*hig and Republican of the 20th had
this to say :
"They were formally received at two o'clock, at Pink-
ham's Hall, and as the regiment entered they were greeted with
cheers, the waving of handkerchiefs, and songs by the gallant
men and fair ladies assembled on the platform.
'•The regiment stacked arms in the center of the hall
A IK. AC. 5
I
and, upon being seated upon each side, that splendid song^
"Home Again" was sung with line effect. When the regiment
was cordially welcomed by Rev. Mr. Gallagher, in a feeling and
patriotic address, to which Lieut. Col. Gaines responded in a
few well chosen and appropriate remarks, after which they were
invited t<> partake of a bounteous repast furnished them by the
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
2&D
UnioB-lovipg ladies of our Soldier's Aid Societies, each of whom
seemed delighted with the opportunity presented, to show their
honored guests all the attention in their power.
"At four o'clock, under the direction of Adjutant Let-ton,
they gave our citizens a specimen of their drill on Main street.
south of the square, performing the different evolutions in the
manual of arms with a precision and regularity that we have
never seen excelled by regular soldiers.
"The regiment has almost unanimously re-enlisted as
veterans. Those who have been left behind could not re-enlist,
not having been in the service the length of time required by
law.
"We tope every returned veteran will constitute himself
a recruiting officer, and when they return to camp, each one
will bring with him a volunteer, so that thev may return to the
field of strife with full ranks.
''The following resolutions were passed by the regiment,
expressing their appreciation of the reception they received at
the hands of our patriotic ladies:
"At a meeting of the commissioned officers of the, Fifti-
eth Illinois Infantry volunteers, held in the city of Quincy, II].,
on the 24th day of January, 1804, the following preamble and
resolutions were unanimously adopted:
"'Whereas. In the return of our regiment to its home
after an absence of two vears, the truly loval and patriotic
ladies of Quincy, 111., tendered a public reception worthy of a
grateful and generous people ; and,
"'Whereas, in our passage through Indiana, the ladies
of Crawfordsville turned out en nuts^e to welcome us. and served
us with a supper, and treated us with many other marks of dis-
interested kindness known to none but the truly loyal. There-
fore
" ' Resolved, 1st, That for the many expressions of kind-
ness confered upon our regiment, we return to the ladies of
Quincy, our sincere thanks, and pledge to them our lives and
sabred honor in defence of them and their country, from inva-
sion and desolation bv foreign or domestic foes.
4
256
HISTORY OF TilK
*'" 'Resolved, 2nd, That for the disinterested kindness man-
ifested towards our regiment, and the hospitable manner in
which we were received by the ladies of Crau fordsville, Indiana,
we also return our most sincere thanks, and that the passage of
our regiment through their fair city, shall ever be a green spot
upon the memory of every soldier of the Fiftieth Illinois in-
fantry.
Ul Resolved, 3rd, That a copy of the resolutions lie furn-
ished the Needle Pickets, The Sisters of the Good Samaritan of
Quincy. and the ladies of the Soldier's Aid Society at Craw-
fordsville. Indiana, and also a copy to the Quincy Whig and
Republican, and the Quincy Herald for, publication.
WM. HAXXA,
J. W. KicKAKT, Major 50th Ills. Inf., Pres't.
Lieut. 50th His. Inf., Sec'y."
On the 25th, under special orders No. 4, of date Quincy,
111., January 25th, 1864, leaves of absence were granted, for
twenty-eight days to the officers of the line.
And now the regiment scattered, as it were, to the four
winds. Everv town, village, hamlet and neighborhood in
Adams county was lighted up with a welcome, and the same
was true in* many places in Fulton, Hancock, Brown. McDon-
ough and Scuyler counties in Illinois, and Pike and other Dear
counties in Missouri. If the story of the rejoicing; that r»:>se up
from the humble abodes where lovaltv. in its highest form, al-
ways finds securest resting place, were to be told, this history
would extend page on page into volumes.
With what a manly step returned tin- young hero, who,
leaving the home place a boy, with mother's kiss upon cheek
and agonizing prayer engraved within his heart, now came full
grown and ''bearded like a bard," with face bronzed by summer
heat and battle's storm, to receive her blessing, and her' mother
welcome. How brightly shone the lamps, and with what gen-
erous warmth glowed the tire, as once more the husband sat by
his own tire-side and, with children upon his knees, looked into
the face of his true and loving wife, whose eyes were full of
tears at his strange recital of dangers met and overcome, • and
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INF ANT RY
2&1
who loved him all the more because he was her hero, . Amid
such scenes, the clays came and went as it* on wings. And
while the duties of the home called into active use the minutes
and the hours, there yet was time sufficient at command with
which a lesson of l:»yalty might be taught U> the men who, for-
getful of all that makes and enobles life, had, in their country's
hour of peril, proved untrue to flag and native land. It is, be-
yond question, true that the copperheads of the north and their
active agents, the so-called Sons of Liberty, and Knights of the
Golden Circle, prolonged the war for more than a year after the1
downfall of the rebellion had become assured.
That this was true, none better knew than the men who
had. breasted the waves of war, who had borne the battle nearly
three years. The members of the Fiftieth could each one easily
recall the cowardly appeals that had come to them from so-
called friends not to re-enlist, or if re-enlisted to desert. And
when, with indignant words, they had sent their reply, they
knew how the dastard wretches had insulted those near and
dear to them, unprotected, because their protectors were far
away, struggling for the National supremacy and the glory
of the ilag. its -every stripe and star. So in all the years of
their absence they had treasured up the memory of these
wrongs, and with purpose as loyal as it was determined, had
resolved t<> even tip conditions when once again at home.
They did not prove falsi,* to what was indeed a boiinden duty,
and to the performance of which they were impelled by
march and camp and battle, by their comrades dead or sore-
ly stricken, by war's frightful touch, ^o wherever they were,
they brought their wrath to bear upon the miserable and cow-
ardly wretches who.--- traitorous designs were more dark and
damning than those of the south. Ah what a trimming up
disloyalty received from loyal blow of list and foot: what a
fleeing to hiding places, there to remain until the bugle call
should summon their chastisers back into liberty's royal and
loyal ranks.
As heretofore recorded, amidst the flame o^ buttle on
Shiloh%*s dreadful dav. Serjeant Major Hughes went to his
258 HISTORY OF THE
death. At home, and before his enlistment, he was an out-spo-
ken Unionist, and, -when opportunity came, enlisted. He was
hounded upon every side by a white livered and disloyal gang,
the leader of whom, occupying a prominent place in church
and neighborhood affairs, had expressed, in the most fervent
maimer, the hope that when he next saw Hughes, he would be
in a box, and that a like fate should come to every member of
the Fiftieth. The February days of 1864, were to him and his
friends indeed dark days, wrathful days, never to be forgotten
days, and if ever disloyal tv was severely leached out of humanity
it surely was in their case, and the same may be said of their
followers.
Years after the war Col. Bane addressed, by letter, a re-
union of his regiment at Quincy, in the course of which he
portrayed the visitation of loyal wrath upon the home guards
of disloyalty in Adams county. He recounted how they had
prayed that the brave defenders of the country might die "as
the fool dieth," "just as all abolitionists should die," and that
like Sergeant Major Hughes, they all might come home in a
box, the Colonel said :
"None of us have forgotten Sergeant Major Hughes. His
death was a sore loss to the regiment. He was the only son in
a large family, had studied medicine in my office in Payson,
and honorably graduated in Rush .Medical College.
"Many of you remember this frilk and how some of you
resolved that if you ever lived to get home again you would
chastise these disloval fellows for this insult; nor have you
forgotten when the regiment veteranized and came home on
furlough, during one of those royal banquets and loyal outpour-
ings at the town of Liberty, after you put me up to speak to
the great crowd of people, and had comfortably seated your
sweethearts, you quietly slipped away and gave, those old cop-
perheads a most unmerciful pounding. Some of them getting
wind of coming retribution, escaped into the woods on horse-
back, or skulked in fields and fence corners. One or two shin-
ing lights in the old Calvinistie Baptist Church, got a most se-
vere pounding, and had to be hauled home in wagons, with
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
259
black eyes and broken noses, much to the chagrin of all who
had the good character of the regiment at heart; but as the
boys fought in groups, and would not tell on each other, no cue
could be found who blackened any body's eve, or broke aiiv
deacon's nose. One thing about this fight was peculiar. These
old copperheads had come out in honor of the old veterans with
wagon loads of sweet-meats, pies and good things, evidently in -
tending to atone for their past shameful disloyalty, but it
would not answer, they must have their reward."
7> /m^lFrmti >^-r»
q
l
Jlus-4?!
CHAPTER XVI,
Assembling of the Regiment — Leave Taking- -'Fall in Blind Half — Arrival at
Lynnville — Sawing Railroad Timber -Off for die Front — Death of Mar-
quis Booth — Breaking in Recruits — Heavy Snow — Dismounted — Off for
Huntsville — McClelland — Arrival at Rome, Ga.
THE period was rapidly approaching when the regiment
would return to the front. By the 25th of February the
greater portion of the absentees had reported in purstt-
suance of the terms of their furloughs. The officers back and
at their posts, and as Fast as the men returned they were order-
ed to report to their company officer at the barracks on Alystine
Prairie, cast of the city.
The preparations for departure vyere far different than
those of 1861. Then war was new in the land and the men of
the Fiftieth, like those of all other, regiments, were wholly un-
instateted, both as to what to do, and how to do it. But years
of experience had endued the officers and men of the Fiftieth
with such an experience, that system took the place where disor-
der had once prevailed. The incidents, sights and scenes which
made up these last days at home were interesting and beyond
description of tongue or pen. Often amusing they were, as a
rule, deeply pathetic. There was the father upon whose arm
leaned the wife and mother, both occupied in arranging for
their dear boy's comfort. There was the wife and little chil-
dren in sweet converse with husband and father. The wife!
Ah, holy is thy love; how great is thy sacrifice for country;
J
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS IXFAXTftV
261
how strongly trusting is thy faith and hope on God as, pressing
to your heart the noble man ;,on loftv mission bent," thy soul
doth breathe this prayer:
k'Oh God preserve my husband dear
While on the battle-field;
Where cannons roar and muskets flash,
And death is hovering near.
When like a reed the flag-staff shakes,
And human aid is vain,
Oh God restore my husband dear,
To home, to me again."
And there the lovers met, and careless of laughing remark or
chilling sneer, bent low their heads in love's sweet converse in
which were vows of constancy, made up from speech halt' spo-
ken, and tender look from eyes that voiced the message for
"Two souls with but a single thought/'
And thus the days, like fleeting shadows, came and went.
The 10th Illinois, at home on veteran furlough, are out in line
and receive a flag from citizens of Quincy, an honor not vouch-
safed to the Fiftieth, although the largest part of it is from
Adams county. On every hand is heard the rapid notes of pre-
paration. Many good byes have been uttered, many a farewell
given, sealed with kiss and prayer, love's benediction. Sunday
morning's light lias driven away the night's shadow. In the
early hours the companies march to 5th and Hampshire streets,
followed by a great crowd of relatives and friends, intent on re-
maining, reluctant to leave. Here it was halted, stacked arms
and broke ranks.
Suddenly the command was given. "Fall in, Blind
Half! Fall in !" received with cheers by the boys as they hear
the old familiar call. There was no opportunity for drill, and
so the regiment marched directly to the depot and boarded the
train for Springfield. Everything and everybody was full.
The knapsacks, of home tokens, useful and ornamental. The
copperhead, in hiding or upon the outskirts, hissing, full of
venom and hate, in their wretched and .shriveled souls praying
26:?
HISTORY OF THE
that the pestilence that walketh abroad, as well as the hot
breath of battle, might sweep into destruction, the men now
leaving, so that, they might, like Sergeant Major Hughes, never
return, save in a box; there were the loyal friends and citizens,
full of sorrow, and there were fathers, mothers, sisters and
brothers, wives, sweethearts and little children, full of the
agony of parting. And, let it be recorded, there were some of
the Fiftieth whose loving embrace with Old John Barley Corn,
had left them full indeed.
But the bell rung, the whistle sounded and the regiment
was off, accompanied by an old patriot, Squire Ames, of Stone's
Prarie, who, too old to enlist, sent word to his home that he was
bound for the front, which he certainly was, for he did not re-
turn until the regiment broke camp at Lynnville for active
service in the field. His presence in camp was a source of real
pleasure to his friends.
The record of the trip from Quincy to Lynnville contains
nothing of a startling nature. The course was by Springfield,
Lafayette, Indianapolis, Jeffersonville, Louisville, which last
place was reached March 1st, where the regiment quartered in
Barracks No. 1 and fed at the Soldier's home. The next morn-
ing off for Nashville, but fifty-five miles out were compelled to
transfer, owing to a wreck, arriving at Nashville on the morn-
ing of the 3rd, and taking quarters in the Zollicofl'er building,
where the regiment was held under guard until the 5th, when the
cars were loaded and Lynnville reached the same afternoon.
Just before the depot at Lynnville was reached one of the cars
jumped the track, one man being severely hurt. The reception
at Lynnville was warm and hearty. Our old comrades the
"stoten-bottles." were glad to see the veterans back. They had
been transferred to the camp of the 57th Illinois, and from
them it was learned that the railroad had been finished to
Pulaski. The duties incident to army life were at once re-as-
sumed : the recruits were formed- into awkward squads and
drilled without mercy, while all over the camp there rung the
cry throughout the day, of "Whese's my mule?" and "Here's
vour mul
-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 263
March 6th, Sunday, company B, under Captain Horn,
left camp to take charge of and run a saw mill situated two
miles from Lynnville, his orders being to manufacture railroad
timbers: while companies A, C, and G, began the construction
of barracks on the old camp ground.
On the 8th a supply of saddles was received, and on the
9th Quartermaster Harbison, upon his requisition, drew 205
mules, so that all who were mounted at first were once more in
the saddle. The mules left by the regiment when it started
home, had stood in the corrall through all kinds of weather,
and with but one feed of corn a day, had become so poor as to
be wholly unfit for service, hut under better care their improve-
ment was rapid, both in health and cussedness. From the di-
ary of one of the Fiftieth, the life of the regiment is thus de-
tailed :
March 10. To-day we have a cavalry drill on our mules
and do finely. Captain James Henry. 8d Alabama infantry, A.
SD., formerly Sergeant Major of the Fiftieth, is a caller to-day.
Two of the boys are down with what is suppesed to be small
pox, and are kept isolated.
11th. Marching orders are received, and company B is
called in from the mill, and in addition comes the sad news
1 that we are to be dismounted.
12th. The sick are sent to Pulaski and we are ready to
18th. The mounted part of the regiment started at six a.
m., and the infantry at eight, arriving at Pulaski at one p. m.,
and went into camp seven miles beyond, in Dr. S. H. Stout's or-
chard. He was Medical Director of Uragg's army. Peach and
plum trees were in bloom.
14th. Started at seven a. m., move through Prospect and
crossed Elk river on a pontoon, and camped six miles from
Athens. We had brought over 200 recruits with us, some of
them are very rough, cursing and swearing a great deal. It
really made the old soldiers ashamed of them. The prevailing
idea with many of the recruits was, that in order to attract at-
tention and keen their credit up, it was necessary for them to be
l>G4
til STORY OP THti
rough in manner and speech. They got over it in a few days
however, for the old boys got very tired of it. There were
about fortv-five on the sick list, mostly recruits.
15th. We started at seven oclocka. m. Had expected to
turn our mules over at Pulaski On the 12th, but were ordered on
to Athens, twenty miles. We let the recruits ride to-day to
break them, and the mules, in. We reached Athens at ten a.
in., and halted for dinner. As we fell in after dinner at one
o'clock, Nathan Crystal accidentally shot Marquis Booth, mor-
tally wounding him. Pie was conveyed to the hospital near
town and left in charge of his friend, poor Nathan Crystal.
This accident cast a gloom over the boys, and our march was
made in silence. We cam}) at night six miles from Decatur
Junction, Ala.
16th. We readied the Junction at noon and relieved
the 111th Illinois, which moved at once to Huntsville. We be-
gan to build log houses. Word came that Marquis Booth was
dead. A good christian soldier is at. rest.
17th. Booth was buried to-day at the Junction, one and
a half miles from Decatur, Ala. A detachment from the regi-
ment moved to Limestone creek on a scout.
19th. Hubert, the Colonel's Orderly, was dispatched to
Bynnville for some stores left there. He stopped over night at
Mrs. Montgomery's, the former headquariei's of the regiment.
Although the Montgomery's were secesh to the core, they had a
strong liking for the Fiftieth, and in testimony the j'amily
baked up a lot of cake and "other fixins',,: as they termed it.
for some of the boys of company E. The orderly carried them
back with him, and when the box was opened a note in it in-
structed the favored recipients to divide with him.
Yesterday noon when we came into camp there was but
one house, but the boys went to work, cut trees, made clap-
boards for roofing, and. to-day. have good log houses for six-
hundred men.
The 66th Illinois came in on a train and bivouacked near
our camp.
'2'2i\d. What a surprise awaited us this morning; the
fiftieth Illinois infantry.
20o
ground is covered with six inches of snow. See those little
mounds like graves? Let us examine one. If it is a grave it
holds a lively corpse, for, wrapped in a blanket, there is sleep-
ing beneath the covering of white, one of Uncle Sam's boys, who
when he awakes will arise from a comfortable sleep, being res-
urrected— enjoy his repast of coffee, sow-belly and hard-tack.
Received orders for the mounted men to report at Deca-
tur, and soon they were oil*. The river was running high and
they had to be crossed on two flat-boats. One held 21 men and
mules, the other 14, besides the boatmen. The mules were
stowed in head and tail, like sardines, with, each trooper stand-
ing by the head of his charger. The boats were loaded down
until the top. of the sides were within two inches of the water.
Just below were the ruins of the iron bridge, through which
the water rushed furiously. If an accident happened both boat
and cargo would surely be lost. By dark the crossing had
been completed. Measles now appeared in camp and, also,
several cases of fever at the1 hospital. Weather cold.
Our mounted force was increased by the addition, on the
23rd, of 200 mules. Regimental headquarters were established
at Mr. Rautler's, who were very stylish people and very hostile.
The 9th Ills., Lieut. Col. Phillips commanding, had a sharp light
to-day, losing fifteen killed, wounded and missing.
24th. A rebel Captain with flag of truce came in to ef-
feet an exchange of prisoners. Lieut. McNeal with companies A
and II were oil' to Somerville on a scout; returning next day
crowned with success. Lieut. Weekly with company F, was or-
dered out and returned the same day.
20th. Ordered to move at daylight on the 27th.
27th. Crossed the river on a pontoon bridge 1700 feet
long, that had been laid yesterday, and. rejoined the command
at Decatur Junction.
29th. Surgeon Fitch, Medical Inspector 10th A. C ar-
rived on train from Nashville.
80th. Marching order- were received t<> move in half an
(17)
266
HISTORY OF THE
hour wltieh were shortly after countermanded and we remained
in camp.
81st. Relieved this morning by some companies of the
43rd and 63rd Ohio and started at 10 o'clock. Moved north of
Moorsville and bivouaced for the night We were without tent.-
and three miles from Decatur, east <>n the Memphis & Charles-
ton railroad.
April 1st. Bad weather.
2nd. Moved over into camp of the 12ord Illinois. They
having marched towards Hun tsville. Desertions from the enemy
are frequent. To-day twenty-five came in bringing their arms
with them. Last week in one day twenty-two of Roddy's cav-
alry came in. Anticipating an attack on Decatur, the citizens
were ordered out of town and departed in great numbers. We
have -built comfortable shelters out of lumber and clap-boards
left by the 123rd.
6th. Expected all day to be ordered out on a reconnai-
sance down the river. The sick and hospital force was moved
over to our camp from the Junction. Two cases of small-pox,
one a colored man, and the other a colored woman, appear in
camp. Most unwelcome visitors. Strong and effective meas-
ures were taken by Surgeon Kendall to check the dread malady.
7th. Dress parade and drill, daily, is in order.
8th. Ordered to turn over mules and cavalry equip-
ments, to which there is a grand kick, especially by the recruits,
who claim they have been grossly wronged. The veterans re-
gretted the order but were too well versed in military affairs to
object, save in the presence ol* the recruit.-, who were kept in a
lively stat': of agitation through the apparent indignation of
the veterans.
9th. The 28th Wisconsin infantry and 1st Alabama cav-
alry joined us, and on the following day we turned over a lot of
mules and equipments to Col. Geo. A. Spencer of the cavalry.
1 J th. Under orders and broke camp at noon. Marched
to within six miles af Athens and camped for the night.
12th. Reached Athens at noon and went into camp on
the fair grounds, and turned over the rest of our mules anil
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
267
equipments to the brigade quartermaster. Inspection. We learn
that Matthew Bates of company H, died in the hospital to-day.
He was a good soldier and his loss will be mourned by his com-
rades as well as by those at home.
. loth. A brick oven was built today for the u>,ii of the
regiment,
10th. The brigade practiced target shooting, which was
greatly enjoyed.
17th. Ordered to be ready to move at a moments notice.
Heavy cannonading is heard in the direction of Decatur.
19th. More target practice. Brigade drill and barrack
building is -the order of the day.
25th. Brigade drill. The recruits have now been sol-
diers two months, and have experienced tough times without a
break in the shape of light service. Cold, wet, snowy and
freezing weather the rule and not the exception. Hard march-
ing and bivouacking, all put together, leads them to wonder
when, and where the good time is to come about which they
heard so much just before their enlistment.
2Sth. Brigade drill at five p. m. The rest of the 2nd
division having arrived, we received orders to move on the 80th
in light marching order. Two wagons allowed to each regi-
ment. Men to carry three days rations.
. 29th. All surplus baggage is turned over to the division
quartermaster for transportation to Huntsvilie. Heavy wind
a lid rain.
BOth. Ready at 6:80 a. m. Very wet and muddy.
Started at 7 a. m., for Huntsvilie, amid a heavy down-pour of
rain, that continued all the morning, raising the streams very
high, several of which we crossed by wading: at 1 :o0 p. m. went
into camp on the Limestone, having marched 11 miles. Quite
a number of the boys gave out ana1 the cry, almost plaintive in
its earnestness, falls from the weary marchers, "Where is, oh
where is my mule." As we prepared our camp so as to be as
comfortable as possible, the rain falling heavily, we again hear
heavy cannonading in the direction of Decatur.
A short distill ice out from Athens, William Loonov of
26S
HISTORY OF THE
company C, who enlisted at Athens, on the 18th of April, and
claiming his residence at Leigh ton, Alabama, fell out of ranks,
and not coming up, had evidently deserted with his gun and
accoutrements.
May 1st. Started at 5 :'30 a. m. and at noon had reached
the junction of Dry and Indian creeks, arriving at Huntsvillo
at 4 p. m., where we went into camp and received orders to march
at daylight of the 2nd, to Stevenson. Drew three days rations
and some clothing.
2nd, Broke camp at daylight. Crossed Flint river at
10 a. m., our brigade in the rear. At 4 p. m. overtook the 2nd
brigade, and having marched two miles further went into camp.
To-day L. W. McClelland of company D, having obtained per-
mission to march out of ranks, and in rear of the regiment, on
account of sore feet, was shot through the shoulder by Theodore
McQueen of company G, of the rear guard, he having foolishly
made a bet with a Lieutenant that he could "hit that man six
hundred yards awav," and fired with the foregoing result.
On the 3rd we left camp at 3 a. m., and about noon ar-
rived at Paint Hock, where McClelland was left with the am-
bulance corps. Having marched about eighteen miles we
camped four miles from Larkinsville.
Leaving cam]) on the 4th at five o'clock a. m,, we pro-
ceeded to Larkinsville, where we found a train waiting for us.
Tile 1st brigade was nearly loaded and soon started. The 2nd
brigade got away about ten o'clock and our brigade at one,
reaching Stephenson, Ala., at three p. m., Bridgeport, on the
Tennessee river, at five p. m., and Chattanooga at seven.
The march to Larkinsville, of about fifty miles, after
the first day, was very pleasant, and also the ride on the train,
a distance of over fifty miles. The mountain scenery was mag-
nificent- We passed through some tine country, but the most
of it was over mountains, the railroad winding along their sides
hundreds of f^'^t above the wagon road where were thousands
of soldiers marching to the front, and as we went whizzing past
they would send up a shout that would echo and reverberate
far down the valley. Sometimes passing from one mountain to
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
269
another, crossed the ravine on high tressels, at each of which werv
stationed a small detachment of soldiers, sometimes we would
wrap a hard-tack in the late papers and drop them to the hoys
on guard below. Then again we would rush right into the side
of the mountain, where the rocks towered hundreds of feet above
us, hanging far out over the track, then into and through tun-
nels and deep cuts, and around sharp curves, passing cars that
had jumped the track and rolled down the mountain side. We
learned that thirty trains of troops had already passed along,
one after another, the inside loaded with horses and mules and
camp equippage — while the tops were covered with soldiers as
thick as they could stick. While nearing the top of these
mountains, and where the grade was steep, many of the boys
got off the train to lighten the load, and assisted by pushing
along the side. The decent was rapid, and far below could be
seen long lines of white covered wagons, with a line of blue
near it, all moving up the valley of the Tennessee. Nearing
Chattanooga the train stopped and we bivouacked near the
track at the fcot of Lookout mountain.
5th. This morning some of the boys attempted to climb
Lookout, and had nearly succeeded, when they were obliged to
return, as the assembly called them to fall in. At 9 a. m. we
started for the front passing over Missionary Ridge and the
battlefield of Chicamauga, going into camp near L.-etV Gordon's
mill, on the west bank of Chicamauga creek, (in Indian lan-
guage meaning the River of Death), here could be seen the.
work of death of nearly a year before, Sept. 19 and 20, 1808.
Many graves, and often skeletons of human beings with the
flesh dried on them, a hcrrible and ghastly sight. Here was
read to the regiment the following circular, which will show
that we are now under the command of General J. B, Me-Pher-
son :
(Circular,)
Headquarters Dep't and Army or thi: Tennessee, ")
Chaitaxoo<;a, Tens., May 5th, 1SG1. /
Soldiers of the Army of the Tcruiexscc:
We are about to enter upon one of the most imp »rtan r
campaigns of the war, and to measure our strength on the battlefield against a
•
l>70
HISTORY OF THK
larg-e and well commanded force. To men, like yourselves, who have shown
their valor and patriotism on many a hard fought Held, no words of encourage-
ment are necessary. Your past record is a glorious our, let not the future be
sullied by a single act which will retlect discredit upon the character of an Amer-
ican soldier. Better a thousand times to fall on the battle field with our urlori-
ous old flag wrapped around you than to leave it and your comrades in the face
of the enemy.
Stand firmly by your post: Let not the storm of battle nor the vigorous
onsets of the enemy shake your faith in the righteousness of our cause and the
convictions of our ultimate success.
Falter not for one moment, keep cool, check the first advance of the ene-
my should lie move against you, with ail the impetuosity of reckless darin^
and the day will surely be ours.
Kemember that notwithstanding the contest may be severe, strong arms
and brave hearts are near by to support you, and that the successful issue of the
battle may depend on your individual bravery, and the stubbornness with which
you liolS your position.
lie careful of your ammunition. Keserve your fire until the enemy is in
sight, and within effective range, then deliver it with deadly fores, taking care
to keep cool, and aim low. It is not the rapid, continuous roll of musketrv, de
livered in a hasty manner, which shakes an enemy, checks his advance ami
drives him from the field, but the accuracy with which it is given. Should the
enemy advance against you in line of battle with charged bayonets, do not wait
quietly and receive the charge, but fix bayonets and meet him half way.
If any of your comrades are wounded, do not leave the ranks to take
them to the rear: an ample corps of men with stretchers and ambulances will
follow close behind you to pick up the wounded, and the surest way of having
them property taken cave of, is to press forward and gain the victory then we
will have time and means to give ail necessary attention to them. Many a regi-
ment, on the battle field, has been sadly reduced in numbers at the critical mo-
ment, by men leaving the ranks to take wounded to the rear.
Obey cheerfully and promptly, the orders of your officers, and rely im-
' plicitly upon their judgment and discretion.
JAMK3 b Mcpherson,
Major General.
6th. To-day the brigade was out on skirmish drill, and
while there received orders to move to-morrow.
7th. We start at 7 a. m., and march \'2 miles, {^ within
four miles of Ship's Gap, which has hcen occupied hv the Ohio
brigade, without resistance. This is a pass through Tavlor's
Ridge, which we reach in the forenoon of the 8th, where we are
detained hv some o[ our cavalry tiring into our scouts or ilank-
F I P T I E T f I ILLINOIS 1 N F A X T 1 1 Y
271
•
ing party. Twelve miles further brings us into Snake Creek
Gap, where we bivouac for the night near the southern odge.
Snake creek is an insignificant branch of the Oostanaula, run-
ning southward between high and rugged ridges—those on the
east side known as Chattooga mountains, those on the west side
as Horn mountains.
The whole pass, some five or six miles long, is wild and
dreary; a wagon road passes along the gravelly bed of the
stream or along the foot of the mountains, and near the south
end of the gap which there widens out to a distance of several
hundred yards, the road diverged, one, the right, passing along
the foot of Horn mountain in a southerly direction to Calhoun
and Rome, and one bore off' to the left to Bessaca ; from Ressaca
a road passed westerly, crossing the Calhoun and Rome roads
about two miles south of the gap.
At 6:80 on the 9th, the head of the column, 0th Illinois,
passed out of the gap and one mile beyond encountered a force
of rebel cavalry approaching from Ressaca to take possession of
the gap. Our advance was stopped. The enemy, charging, cap-
tured several and wounded two or three, among whom was Col.
Phillips, in the leg. Under the direction of Gen. McPherson, the
division was formed in line, the Fiftieth on the right of the road,
and, skirmishing, drove the enemy about six miles to Ressaca.
The force in our front at first consisted of one brigade of, rebel
cavalry, being reinforced by tour regiments of infantry — the 66th
Illinois, with their Henry rifles, and the SlstOhid, were deploy-
ed as skirmishers, driving them one mile as fast as they could
go, our main line following, moved to within one-half mile of
the fort, mounting seventeen .guns, where we skirmished about
five hours until dark when the troops wen1 withdrawn. In this
affair one man of our regiment, .Janus Swan of company H,
was wounded. We had run out of rations two days before, ex-
cepting beef killed last night. an<l at dark were ordered to the
rear. We move back seven miles in tin1 darkness, camping on
the ground of our skirmish of the luorniiisr, at midnight. On
our march back the boys relieved their hunger by shouting up
and down the line, "buckle up your belts boys, for one night
272 HISTORY OF THE
more" — "plenty of grub to-morrow" — t:oh, dear! my belly is
rubbing my back bone" — succeeded by groans if our brigade
officers happened to be within hearing.
10th. Got up at daylight, very hungry, drew three days
rations of hard-tack, sugar, coffee and salt, to last five days.
At ten a. m. rain began to fall. 100 men were detailed to build
breastworks across the gap. 'At 11 a. m. received orders to send
one company out as skirmishers on the road from Ressaca to
Rome, and follow with the regiment immediately, as a reserve.
Company B was sent, and advanced to the cross-roads, where
250 of the 4th Georgia cavalrv were encamped. Here we staved
until ten p. m.. skirmishing, when we were ordered to move m-
insicle the fortifications at once.
11 rained very hard, and the heavy thunder, reverberating
among the mountains, with vivid lightning and strong wind
together with marching in the mud until 12 o'clock p. m..
made up a terrible night never to be forgotten. Inside the
works we lay in the mud, and during the early hours of
the morning of the 11th, before daylight, the 20th corps came
up, and as they passed our camp, they were singing merrily,
"We'll all drink stone blind, Johny fill up the bowl." This
singing by the many voices as they passed by, at a quick step,
keeping time to the melody, was responded to hx the men who
lined the road, with cheers of approval.
12th. A lar^e force of infantry, artillery and cavalry,
, are now advancing towards Ressaca. The 20th and 14th corps
having arrived. To-day companies B and K are sent out to
forage, and return with sheep, beet* and hogs, corn, wheat, meal
and flour. The last four articles being rebel stores from the
headquarters of a rebel officer. Heavy fighting is on our left
all day.
18th. At eight a. m. we march to the sound of battle,
reaching the front of Ressaca at 11 :30 and go into position on
the right, and assisted in driving the rebels from their in trench-
ments. Witnessed an artillery duel For an hour and a half. By 3
p. m. a large number of batteries are in position, and at sundown
the bri glide is : moved back one-half mile, bivouacking in an
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
278
i »
rchard. The 4th division of loth A. C. did the most of the
lighting to-day. The regiment has again been under fire for the
past two days, and at times engaged in skirmishing as heavy as
a battle.
On the 14th at daybreak the guns open at long range and
are replied to by the enemy with but little effect on either side.
The hoys are hungry and some of company E boys, headed by
Nate Crystal, make a raid on the division train, capturing a
lot of bacon and hard-tack, and divide up, and though
under fire from a rebel battery, we eat and are happy. A
force of cavalry and artillery with our brigade, are ordered to
Calhoun ferry, four miles down 'the river, and at nine a. m.
start, but before reaching there are ordered to Lay's Ferry, two
miles further below, where, going into position, the enemy en-
gage our skirmish line with infantry and a lattery.
Sunday, May 15. Heavy firing on both right and left,
Companys B and I. and two companies of the 57th Illinois, un-
der Major Forsee of the 57th were sent out on the skirmish line
moving one and a half miles, to within 100 yards of the river,
off to the left, they were halted by the enemy opening on them
a cross-fire from eight pieces of artillery. By dropping down the
boys crawled back. Battery B, 1st Michigan, with three guns,
went into position and upon opening fire the reb's returned the
compliment by a heavy fire of grape and canister, sweeping
the ground about them, compelling the battery to retire with
-two men wounded. We then received orders to move to the
lower. oT Lay's, ferry; calling in our skirmishers they all re-
ml J O •.
ported but Nelson, Mark, McGee, Spencer and Taylor of com-
pany I, who came in later. Having reached the ferry we drew
l m, <-> •
three days rations from the division train, and while doing so
a charge was made by a rebel brigade on the 7th Iowa, who had
succeeded in getting .across the river. Our artillery did good
service, and the Fiftieth, with the rest of the brigade, was rush-
ed across on a hastily constructed raft or bridge. The rebels
had already been driven from their works and our forces, occu-
pying them, worked through the night reversing and strength-
•
ening them. During the night the enemv evacuated Ressaca.
211
HISTORY OF THE
10th. Ordered forward at seven a. in., to go to the cross-
roads. Moved in lino of battle and three-fourths of a mile out
we were halted. The 89th Iowa then deployed across the road
and with the Fiftieth and 57th, inarching right in front, in
^ their" rear, advanced a mile when we were met by a heavy skir-
mish fire. The brigade was thrown into line of battle on the
left of the road, with a battery of two guns o( the 1st Michigan
artillerv in front of the 80th Iowa, and with a heavy skirmish
-line in our front, we held the line until 4 p. in. Companies G
and B were on the skirmish line. By tins time the 1st and 2nd
brigades were in position on our right and left.
The troops in front of us were Pat. Cleborne's division of
two brigades and one battery, with a battery on our left on a
hill. At four p. m. the attack was made on the 2nd brigade,
and at the same time a heavy cross-tire from the artillery was
poured into us. The 2nd brigade, 81st Ohio, 66th and 12th Ill-
inois, were obliged to fall back, and at the same time we were
ordered back, which we did, moving by companies to the rear.
Here happened a good one on Colonel Bane. Ho had dismoun-
ted and gone forward to view the line, and was in tie1 rear of
the Fiftieth as it became necessary to move back to hold the
line intact. He exclaimed "my horse! my horse! where's Col-
li' ever one was willing to swap a king-
lins
» ?j
with my horse :
dom for a horse, lie w
/
S the])
l i - ! ♦
The battery in its effort to get
to the rear broke out two
caisson tongues. An ambu-
lance was smashed by a shell.
We retired a quarter of a mile
and reformed our line of bat-
tle. Our loss was Martin
Christian, company 1>. killed
and 7 wounded, Wni. Cope, of
A, X. B. Armstrong, oi F, Geo.
Perky and .]..). Babbit of G,
and one of II being among the
number.
On the 17th the loth A. C. passed to the front, rinding
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
275
tht* enemy gone excepting a few cavalry as rear guard. Com-
pany B marched over and buried Christian, and found live
dead rebels lying near. A number had been buried, and a cit-
izen informed them that a large number of dead and wounded
had been conveyed to Calhoun, three quarters of a mile distant.
At seven p. m. we started on and continued until two a. m. of
the 18th, when we bivouacked on a hill until seven a. m., and
then having marched ten miles, camped one and a half miles
from Adai.rville, at two p. m. Starting again at six p. m., we
went into camp at 12 p m., and were ordered to draw twe days
rations, but none were to be had.
Orderly Sergeant James DeVaney of company G, who
has been home on recruiting service since December last, re-
turned this morning, May 19th, and bv Special Order No. 21,
from headquarters of the Fiftieth, is promoted to Sergeant
Major.
Resumed our march and were moving slowly, when the
whistle of an engine sounded, coining from the rear, and we
learned that the bridge, which had been burned on the night of
the 16th, at Ressaea, had been rebuilt and troops were being
pushed to the front by rail. A prisoner with us remarked, "if
that's the way yon all's go there is no use for we un's to hold
out longer." After a ten mile march we camped near Kingston,
and on the 20th two trains came in from Dalton, loaded with
soldiers, while we remained in camp, washing and cleaning up,
and foraging, with the rebels in sight of us.
On the -1st orders were received to move at daylight on
the 23rd, with twenty days rations, independent of the railroad.
Company desks were sent back to Chattanooga in charge of
Sergeant J. D. Adams of company D, and on the morning of the
22nd at daybreak, we were ordered to march and just as we
formed in line we received a. large mail. We arrived at ttie
picket line three-fourths of a mile east of Rome at four p. in.?
with twenty head of cattle that we found on the road. Wo
were welcomed by the 16th Illinois, who had been here several
days, having come down from Snake Creek Gap.
On tli-1 27th General Vandov.er arrived and assumed coiu-
27(3 HISTORY OF THE
i
mand of the post, with Adjutant Letton of the Fiftieth, as his
Assistant Adjutant General. Lieut. M. B. Converse company G,
acting adjutant cf the Fiftieth, is detailed a> A. A. G. at brig-
ade, headquarters, and Lieut. C. H. Floyd of company D, to act
as adjutant of the regiment.
On the 28th company F was detailed to work at the drv
docks, oil the river, building pontoons, and on the 29th com-
pany B were ordered over the Etowah to garrison an outpost
Our mail today contained over 1000 letters for friends at home.
On the BOth our flags were stretched over the sidewalks,
an account of which will appear in our chapter on our flags-
Many 61 the command visited the Home prison, where Colonel
Streight and his officers were confined as prisoners a year ago.
The place of confinement was on the 2nd floor of a brick build-
ing and consisted of three- rooms, two about 8x12 feet, 7 feet
high, and one 14x18 feet, 7 feet high, with double doors four
inches thick. The windows, twelve inches square, were protected
on the inside by inch square bars of iron, and wagon tire iron
on the outside. The rooms were lined with four inch plank. In
the large one was a sink, yet filled with filth. The entrance to
the rooms was through a hole cut in the lower part of the doors
through which food was passed and the dirt and slops removed.
How any one could live here is a mystery, especially when the
rooms were so crowded that only a part could lie down at one
time.
June 8th. Inspection, followed by an advance over the
Etowah, and a sharp skirmish. We were out from 3 p. m
to 8 o'clock during a heavy rain, and returned drenched to the
skin. Company A was ordered to re-inforce company B for the
night.
From June 8th to 11th we report "all quiet along the
Etowah, '" when Captain Horn with a squad of four men went
out to the plantation of the rebel General Black, two miles
from camp, for vegetables. On their way out they noticed
tracks of about thirty horses. Just as they reached the gate
the General with another officer rode up on the opposite side.
The slaves told who they were, just then they discovered the
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
277
boys and, wheeling, fled. The Captain and his squad, satisfied
there was a superior force near at hand, returned to camp and
just as they entered the lines the rebs made a dash on the picket
and a smart skirmish followed.
The 12th was rainy. Company D, Captain Rickart is
detailed to go out over the Ostanaula with thirteen wagons and
twenty-five men. Crossing a creek about six miles out on the
Cedar Bluff road, the boys having got into the wagons to avoid
wading, the drivers stopped in the creek to water their teams
while Wagon Master John C. Lewis, and three other mounted
men," passed on as an advance guard; proceeding about 100 yards
from the creek they saw five mounted rebels in the road in front.
They at once sent back word to Captain Rickart to throw out
Hankers and charged. The rebs dashed off, while the boys
dashed out of the wagons into the creek, and taking positions
in the timber as skirmish flankers, advanced four miles farther,
and turning to the left came to Dr. Deans. Here a slave was
seen running into the timber and the commander was informed
that he had gone to warn a squad of 300 who had crossed the
Coosa yesterday. The Captain, deeming discretion the better
part of valor, decided to work towards camp. Having gone on
the home stretch about quarter of a mile a squadron of about
forty rebs were seen crossing a field to their right to head them
oil.'. However by the exercise of strong military sense he
brought his command safely into camp at two o'clock p. m.
finding the river rising so fast as to endanger the pontoons over
which we cross. The return of Captain Rickart having been
reported, orders were received for the Fiftieth, twenty of which
were mounted on poor stock, under Lieut. White of company
K, one company of the 80th Iowa, two o( the 9th Illinois moun-
ted infantry, one of the 5th Kentucky cavalry and battery B
1st Michigan artillery, mounted on horses and armed with
sabres and revolvers, to go out to-morrow with fifteen wagons.
Starting at eight o'clock a. m., two miles out three rebs were
discovered and pursued three miles, escaping. Eleven miles
out 150 bushels of wheat was found and loaded; on another
road it was found that the wealthy farmers had Hed, taking
278
HISTORY OF THI?
most of their stock, but leaving enough grain to load the fifteen
wagons with corn and wheat, and the expedition returned bring-
ing sixty head of cattle, a Hock of sheep, twelve mules, and all
the chickens, turkeys and hams it could carry. On the way in
on the right flank, the 9th ran into a squad of twenty-two rebs
for whom a citizen had just butchered a hog, which the boys at
once confiscated. This was within two miles of Cave Springs.
Two brigades of rebel Cavalry are said to be stationed there.
10th. Company B is taking precaution against surprise
by cutting down the underbrush about their camp.
17th. To-day the news in camp is that Colonel Bane has
resigned. The arduous .service of this year is too much for
him.
19th. At 5 }). m. to-day the brigade was called into line
and Colonel Bane, its commander, made his farewell address.
He goes home with the good wishes of his regiment. A new
stand -of colors were received by the regiment. They were
greatly needed badly as we disliked to lay aside our old ones.
On the 20th Colonel Bane started for Illinois and shortly
after Surgeon Kendall and Chaplain Bigger came into camp, on
a visit from the front. They had been absent from the regi-
ment and on duty at division headquarters since the battle of
May 16th. At this time they, with the wardmnster, Greorge C.
Biirtells, remained at Ressaea attending to the sick and wound*
ded. Following the regiment ftp they reached Kingston tin1
evening of the day it had moved to Borne. Applying to Gen.
Dodge for an escort to go with them, lie immediately detailed
the surgeon and party on special duty at his headquarters, and
off they had to go.
•21st. Quite an excitement was raised to-day about two
o'clock p. m. About noon two rebs came to a Mr. Straup's,
three miles out on the Summerville road, called the old gentle-
man, (50 years of age, to the gate, saying they were sent to shoot
him because some Union officers had stopped there one night,
telling him to kneel and say his prayers. They made him obey
with their guns pointed at his head. His daughter, twelve
years old. and grandson, four years old. ran out screaming and
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
270
clinging about his neck, begged them not to kill their father, at
• this time the old lady, 50 years of age, fainted ; when she revi-
ved they were gone. She and the daughter immediately came
into Rome, having to wade the creek fc.ur times on the way.
The old man and little boy look to the woods. Later in the
day three more rebs rode up to Mrs. White's, a quarter of a mile
from Mr, Straup's and near our picket line; cocking their guns
they demanded from Mrs. White and her two daughters, as to
where our picket lines were located, and how far in they were
withdrawn at night, and it being told them they left. The
women were very much frightened and came into town and re-
ported at pn^t '■ h« adquarters. A detail from the Fiftieth being
called for, companies 0, E and 11 were ordered out at dark;
company E was posted at the pontcon over the Etowah, and
companies C and II, under direction of Major Hanna. going to
the front, were posted as a reserve for the pickets. Part of the
0th Illinois mounted infantry went out also, but discovered
nothing.
22nd. This morning the Major rode out to the line of
companies C and II. Nothing had been discovered, ami the
details were ordered to camp. Lieut. Blystone of F, and six
men. being detailed to bring in Mr. Straups and his household
goods. While the Lieut. 'and his detail wore at the house, firing
was heard on the picket line near Mrs, White's house. Ten men
dashed up, discharged their pieces at the pickets and fled. As
soon as possible companies A, I) and G of the Fiftieth, and one
company of the Oil) Illinois mounted infantry were sent out and
took their positions in the -brush along the road. .It was evi-
dent that the rebs were posted as to our presence. The family
of Whites having moved to Rome, leaving their house vacant
the Major sent three companies of his command to occupy it.
and ordered that when everything was quiet after dark, compa-
nies A and G should withdraw leaving company I) concealed in
and around the house, with instructions to lie still and when
the rebs came up to lire at sight. About eight o'clock they be-
gan to appear, but some distance away, first two and three to-
gether, then eight or ten, quietly moving forward they halted
280 H1&20&Y OF THE
200 yards away, behind a house, and dismounting, advanced on
foot to a vacant house on the opposite side of the road from
where company D lay. Their dogs discovering the Yankee
foe gave the alarm, whereupon Kill Northup stepped through a
hole in the fence and the rebels let fly at him with their shot-
guns. Corporal Isaac J, Ogle, in command of a squad, called
for volunteers to rout the enemy and did so, or, as he expressed
it, ''we routed them, we scouted them and never lost a man."
Driven from the house, the enemy fell back and a scattering
lire between company D and the johnnies was kept up all night
resulting in the killing of one reb. and wounding two others,
one of whom was a citizen who lived near by.
On the -morning of the 28rd, the purpose for which the
detachment had been ordered, having been accomplished, it. re-
turned to camp closely followed by a squad of rebels, who dash-
ed upon company B's picket line and captured Corporal James
L. Robbing, Privates James A. Scoggins, A. B. Noake and Ed-
ward Sweed, getting away without a shot being fired. It was
reported that the rebel squad was supported by a force num-
bering 1000. The Major with companies C, I] and I, followed
out at once, finding no enemy they went on the Cave Spring
road four miles and returned without adventure. Xews is re-
ceived that 1000 wounded are expected from the front and Rome
is to be made a post hospital. 'Tis a disagreeable duty hut
must be -attended to.
24th. Company 11 was sent out to picket the Summerville
road, after the foraging party then out returned, as the johnnies
usually follow them in, and returned on the 25th, reporting all
quiet at the front. Companies A and G were then sent out on the
Calhoun and Kingston river road as picket out-post, and re-
ported that a squa.l of the enemy had crossed yesterday. The
wounded are arriving in very bad condition. Many of them
will rest here forever.
20th. The Major and ethers seem to be considerably an-
noyed at the many failures to prevent the forays of the johnnies
on our lines, and with fifty men of the "Blind Half" and seven-
tv of the 39th Iowa. g<» out at midnight and lake a position on
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
231
.
3
the Cave Spring road so as to be on hand in the morning. Re-
turned at daybreak on the 27th, having seen no enemy. 'Tis
certain now that some one inside the garrison has a way of siiv-
ing information to their friends outside.
27-th. Our vidette pickets, the 1st Alabama, across the
Ostanaula, were tired upon to-day. More sick arriving from the
front. We received orders to move our camp outside of town,
and on the 28th packed up and moved to the pine thicket east
of town on the banks of the Ostanaula. Large numbers of sick
arrived and every house in the city that could be used had been
seized for hospital purposes. Major Hanna was ordered on a
foraging and rt-connoitering expedition, to start at live o'clock
a. m. on the 3rd, with sixteen wagons, 100 of the the 1st Ala-
bama cavalry and details from the 89th Iowa, the Fiftieth and
57th Illinois, in the direction of Cedartown, distant twenty
miles.
As related by one of the participants: The expedition
started on Sunday, July 3rd, with 150 infantry, 150 cavalry and
10 wagons. Having proceeded twelve miles we came upon a
party of rebels belonging to the Sth Texas rangers, dismounted,
their horses tied to the trees in the woods by the roadside;
dashing down upon them, the advance captured eight of their
horses and one man. While a mounted party of the Fiftieth
moving on tie; left as flankers, had captured three nudes at a
house near by. Three miles further on the command was divi-
ded, the cavalry going to Cedartown, about live miles to the
left, while the quartermaster with the train and infantry was
directed to the plantation of Mr. Burns, situated on the road
running from Cedartown to Cave Springs, a village a few miles
to our right. The distance to Mr. B.'s was one mile to the right.
Proceeding, the wagonmaster with the train, by some misunder-
standing, neglected to take the proper road that Q. M. Harbison
with his escort of 0. M. Sergeant Albert Jordan, Privates W. S.
Woods, of G ; F. C. Ward, of C, ai:d ''Our Charley," the orderly,
all mounted, had taken.
This party, proceeding, soon came to and crossed the
Cave Springs road, that, at this place, ran in a northwesterly
282 HISTOUV OP THE
t
I
_ . . .
directioD, and a short distance off from the road came to a
house. On the porch stood two beautiful young ladies. Tlies^
at once attracted Wood's attention, and he at once entered into
conversation. While the Q. M. and Jordan proceeded to the
barns to look for stock and forage, Ward went at once to inspect
the smoke house at the rear, while Charlie enquired of the la-
dies if there was any confederate soldiers near, and receiving a
somewhat evasive but negative reply, opened the carriage gate
and rode into the ATard to reconnoiter. A negro wonutn, speed-
ing across the yard, was hailed and asked "If there was any
confederate soldiers near," halting she replied in a loud voice,
"Lor1 no, massa, dey's all done gone"— and drawing near the
mule upon which was the orderly, again exclaimed "dey's all
done gone, massa, when dev see you all's comining." Then in
a low voice she said "look out dar, massa, dey's up stairs, dey'sup
stairs" — and tied. Turning quickly he caught a glimpse of one
preparing to lire, and instantly had him covered. Then calling
to Woods, directed him to tell the young ladies to inform their
guests that if they did not surrender in two minutes we would
burn the house. Ward was directed to place his men behind
the fence, while Harbison and Jordan, who had discovered the
horses in the barn, were hurrying to place us on our guard,
catching the idea from Ward, began to give orders as if placing
men in position on the opposite side of the house. The orderly
then hastened to the support of Woods, arriving just as two
rebels dashed out of the front door, with revolvers in their
hands, who at once surrendered, and then asked where our men
were, were much chagrined when told, "here we are."
They proved to be part of the same.squad that had cap-
tured the company B men on the 28rd of Jun^, one having on
a hat and one a shirt belonging to Scrcggins and Robbins.
About this time the boys with the. wagons had reached the road
a mile to the east, where they found a force of rebels feeding
their horses. Exchanging a few shots, the boys fell back with
their wagons, to where the cavalry had left them, and halted.
By this time the three rebels had been secured the Q, M. had
discovered their hordes in die barn, also quite a deposit of wheat,
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
283
and dispatched the orderly for the wagons to come up, suppos-
ing them to be about a mile away. He had not gone fifty steps
before he was fired upon by a rebel who was some distance in
advance of the rebel squad that had been stirred up by the in-
fantry with the wagons, a few moments before, which evident-
ly believing that the attacking party was a part of a general
advance, were retreating on Cave Springs. As soon as the man
had fired he dashed back to the squad, a short distance in the
rear, which delivering a scattering fire in the direction of the
orderly, fell back in considerable confusion, and turning to their
left, crossed over a field. The lone orderly was in a perilous
position and not knowing what to do, whether to advance or
retreat, he tired after the fleeing rebels. Suddenly and right
near where lie had halted, a man, mounted on a horse and lead-
ing a pack-mule, broke out of the brush into the road. In the
confusion he had ridden the wrong "way. In a moment lie was
halted and, having surrendered, to the orderly, said there were
about twenty-five in the squad. Returning to the house with
his prisoner, our party hurried to the train with four prisoners,
five horses and the best pack-saddle in the corps. As soon as
possible the quartermaster moved his train to the house and
loaded up the wheat, and awaited the return of the cavalry un-
der Major Hanna, who, coming back over the road upon which
he had advanced, was astonished and alarmed to note by the
wagon tracks that the train had been out to the front, and, evi-
dently, had turned back, and parted, then turned back again to
the front. Fearful that his boys had been captured, he dashed
after them, expecting every moment to strike the enemy, when
suddenly he found the quartermaster and his command all safe,
loading wheat and forage.
At Cedartown the cavalry, under Hanna, surprised, and
upon his refusal to halt, killed an agent of the rebel govern-
ment, who was employed to collect supplies, captured one man,
a large mail, several horses, fifty pounds oi'EngHsh gunpowder
and £$000 caps. Marching towards Rome seven miles the whoJe
command camped for the night.
At seven a. m. on trie 4th, started for Rome, reaching
284 HISTORY OF THE
*
i
:
i
camp at nine a. rn., with over forty-seven head of stock and six
johnnies.
Resuming the routine of events we record :
At ten o'clock the brigade, with all other troops in camp,
were ordered out and passed General Yandever in review. After
review was over word came into camp that the foraging party
had been followed by the rebels close to the picket line, and a
force of cavalry was at onco sent out in pursuit, but failed to
overtake the enemy. „
July 5th. Major Hanna having made a report of his ex-
pedition, General Vandever ordered him out on a like expedi-
tion, with 800 men, to march the next day, an account of which
is as follows :
6th. Starting at 5 a. m. with 150 1st Alabama cavalry.
140 of the 8rd brigade, including companies F and I of the Fif-
tieth, and ten wagons, all bound for Cave Springs. Five miles
out the advance ran into a squad of refos, capturing one horse
and man, who told us he knew we were coming, but would not say
how large a force was in front of us. Reached Cave Springs
about noon and sent out pickets. Holding the infantry at Cave
Springs the cavalry, with two wagons, under Major Flanna, pro-
ceeded to Cedartown, ten miles distant. The cavalry, proceed-
ing half a mile out, met an old citizen who lived near, who said
there were no rebs in the neighborhood, and that he lived in
town ; he was riding a horse from which the cavalry made him
dismount, and, allowing him his saddle, took the horse, he going
over the hill to the left.
Two miles further on, as the road made a circle to the
left, it brought us to within three-quarters of a mile of where
the old man dismounted, on the opposite side of the ridge. Two
of our advance, belonging to the 1st Alabama caw, seeing some
horses near a house about three hundred yards to the left, went
down to it, found a reb,, who surrendered, and leaving him with
a soldier the sergeant went around the house for another one
that he saw; when he passed the corner he was seized by three
men, who shooting at him, shot his horse through the nose and
him in the leg. Then two of them ran around the house and
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
285
the one who had surrendered caught his guard's gun, another
wrested his revolver from him and shot him twice. It was
done in a moment of timp.
As the men came up they found the old citizen who claim-
pd to live at Cave Springs, sitting on the fence, a prisoner. Tak-
ing a lot of meats, horses and mules from here, and firing the
building as it appeared to be a rendezvous as well as a place
for storing provisions, we went on to Cedar town. We passed
Mr. Bnrris's, and at the place where the boys with the train had
stirred them up on Sunday, the advance was again fired upon by
three rebs. Dashing ahead one of them and two horses of the
11 th Texas rangers were captured. On to Cedar town was the
word, and we went in with a dash. As we went in four rebels
dashed out. We secured quite a number of horses and mules,
and returned to Cave Springs
fEiW-v^V
Sr4t
M
%3 k'A 'Mnffl
about nine p. m. During our
absence the Fiftieth, while on
picket, were fired on by a
squad of about twenty-five.
The body of the Alabamian
had been brought into camp
and buried by the road-side,
under a large tree, with Me
name and regiment marked
on a board placed at the head
At eight a. m., on the 7th
we started for home, taking
the lower, or Coosa road. Six
miles on our way we beheld
a small force approaching,
waving a white flag. Placing
the wagons in position for de-
defence, with the infantry du-
ly stationed behind them, the supposed enemy was allowed to
send forward two of their number who made known that the
squad, numbering twenty-five* wer&loyal refugees escaping from
UNION REFUGEES.
286 HISTORY OF THE
rebel conscription. They reported many Union people in the
centre of Georgia, and that General Pillow has caused over 150
Union men to be killed because refusing to go into the rebel
army. We reached Rome at eight p. m .', turned over eighty-seven
horses and mules, and eighty-five contrabands, or niggers as
they are called now, some nearly white.
We will now return to the course of daily events to show
that the recruits were not to be deprived of the Jots of fun prom-
ised them when enlisting:
July 8th. Lieut. Col. Gaines tendered his resignation.
His health had become so broken that when we left Athens he
was detailed as provost marshal at Pulaski. Pie had been with
us here but a short time. The 7th Illinois having rejoined the
brigade dismounted, the word was soon spread in camp that the
crampers were here.
On the 9th some of the 7th Illinois crampers had com-
pany I>*s bread, smoking hot from the oven. The conclusion
was that the vandal act must have been done by some of their
recruits as the old vets knew better.
10th. Company B was relieved from out-post duty across
the Etowah by the 7th Illinois and returned to the regiment.
Dress parade.
11th. A detail was sent out to stack wheat. 'Tis a
change from the regular duty.
12th. The sick were improving in the hospital. Deaths
numbered about five per day. Orders were isswd directing the
arrest of all enlisted men found in the city without a pass.
21st. A returned foraging party, out for corn, reported
600 rebels on the Summcrville road. The wires were cut be-
tween Rome and Kingston, and a train derailed and captured.
22nd. It was reported that Atlanta had fallen at four
o'clock this morning, and in honor of the glorious event our
garrison flag was set flying on Court House Hill.
23rd. Instead of Atlanta being captured we learned that
a terrible battle was fought, Hood having attacked our left;
that General McPherson was killed and our division (the 2nd.
10th A. C.) v.-ii; cut all to pieces and captured. The full'ex-
o
J
-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 387
tent of the disaster was unknown, and our garrison flag floated
at half mast.
24th. An orderly of the 1st Alabama was killed while
outside the pickets. Notice of the resignations of Lieut. Col-
Games and Lieut. Cornelius Kitchen of company I, being accep-
ted on account of ill health, was received and on the 25th Col.
Gaines bade farewell to the regiment. His departure was a
matter of sincere regret. A brave and loyal man had been lost
to the service. In camp, upon the march and in battle, he was
always to be found where duty called. As he returned to his
home in broken health, the good wishes of the regiment follow-
ed him. In like manner the regiment lost a fine officer in the
departure of Lieut. Kitchen, compelled by ill health to leave
service. Five fine dwellings were burned along the road where
the 1st Alabama soldier was shot yesterday.
Aug. 4th. Major Hanna had fallen seriously ill, a mat-
ter of great concern to the regiment
7th. Having been paid off the reign of chuck luck began,
and before ''lights out" sounded many of the boys were lighter
in pocket than they were just after their interview with the
paymaster.
13th. The variable weather during the past three weeks
still continued. The day was pleasant, and r, certain exhilera-
tion was felt when the rumor reacned camp that a body of 5000
rebels were advancing to an attack upon Rome.
15th. Colonel Rowett, 7th Illinois relieved Colonel Cum-
mings and assumed command of the brigade.
19th. A foraging party of the 7th Illinois was attacked,
and after a sharp skirmish were driven back, losing Lieutenant
Billington of company C, killed, and two privates of company
D, wounded, with Dr. Felty and train captured.
20th. Major Hanna returned from Kingston bringing,
with him a fine bass drum.
21st. Six companies of the Fiftieth, under Major Hanna
and six companies of the 7th Illinois, all under command of
Colonel Rowett, started at 2 p. in., on a scout towards Kings-
ton. Nine miles out went into camp in rain and mud. Had
28K
HISTORY OF THE
corn, apples, peaches and beef in plenty. Guerrillas still hov-
ered spoilt and great watchfulness was required, in spite ■ <:
which a soldier was shot while on picket.
22nd. Returned on Van Wert road.
23rd. Major with two wagons and seventy-five men re-
turned to camp loaded with vegetables and fruit.
27th. Taking a detail, the Major went out and brought
in 100 bushels of peaches. During the day saw two negroes.
one dead, who had been shot by the rebels.
28th, Some of the sick boys from the hospital dined at
headquarters, and the general health of the regiment was good.
81st. A forairing party went out. Dr. Stephens, of Cam})
Point, Illinois, was a visitor to company K.
Sept, 1st. The foraging party returned well loaded. A
sad accident occurred. John Brav of companv G, was shot bv
a drunken soldier of the 7th Illinois.
During the summer and fall in our many raids after for-
age, a careful note was taken of the peach orchards, of which
there were many. It was particularly noticed that the trees
were heavily loaded with their luscious store. By the middle
of August the fruit was beginning to ripen ready for use. On
many a drive after the cowardly bush-whackers, an orchard
would be reached, and then sacks, small and large, and pockets
were filled. Peach details were daily made, the camp hemg
thus supplied with green corn and ripe peaches. Then came
pumpkin time, when, after a hard rain, the river would be rilled
with yellow floaters, the boys sitting along the banks watching,
would plunge in and snake them out. At this time it was found
convenient for the boys of the different messes t<> have their
purveyors. Among them was Horatio Hughes, of company C,
William Colwell, of company D, and as an illustration of seme
of the duties they performed, the experience of John H, Childs,
a recruit of company E, now of Wells, Ottawa Co., Kansas, as re-
lated by him. will be sufficient : "The want of something more
than hard-tack, sow-belly and beans, would prompt us to do
many things that in later years would be considered as rather
rash. There was a tine field of corn across theEtowah. that we
I
i ■
£x
\
I
K
f /
COL. WILLIAM HAXNA.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
289
visited, with a number of other boys, after night, for, as you
know, orders were very strict against going outside the lines —
hut roasting ears were very tempting, and many a night we
would go down to the river, strip, and, with a sack in our teeth,
swim across, lay on the bank a few moments to reconnoiter and
learn if the coast was clear; if all was quiet, would till our
sacks, throw them into the water, take hold of them with our
teeth — or two of us, with it fastened to a rail — and tow it
across, dress ourselves and, with the assistance of our comrades,
carry it to camp and live fine. But the Major never knew of it.
He didn't know as much, in that respect, as some other officers
did. but we never thought the less of him for that." The corn,
fruit and vegetables thus procured and lavishly used, brought
the flush of health to many a worn and wasted cheek, and bet-
ter than medicine from surgeon, set anew the rich, hot blood of
health flowing through the veins.
Major Hanna is now no more. Lieutenant Colonel is
now his rank. Commission received and he celebrated his good
fortune by having a battallion drill at three p. m.
2nd. The camp of company B, across the Etowah, was
located on a part of the city cemetery. Early in the campaign
Uen. Sherman established a general hospital here. Sergt. E. O.
Yeklell of company B, was detailed by Major Hanna, to super-
perintend the burial of the dead, with a proper detail at his
command, lie was prompt and careful, and as the list of sick
unci wounded from the front increased, he was supplied with a
further detail of six colored soldiers from the 44th U. S. C. T.
Under the direction of our good Chaplain Bigger,whose kind heart
made the duty one of love, the dead were properly prepared for
and given a christian burial. It was no unusual sight to see
the hospital ambulance, hearing live coffins, wending its way to
tii*' cemetery, and especially was this so for days after a battle
at the front. The dead were buried in tiers and the name of
each soldier was carefully recorded, with his company and reg-
iment. Among them rests some of the Fiftieth, and in the
third tier, William Bray, company GrT who was buried to-day.
The ''Unknown" are buried in tip' eighth row or tier. Boards,
290
niSTOEY OF THE
painted white, with the name, company and regiment in black
letters, were placed at the head of each grave.
Lieut. Strode of G, resigned and went home. Xews of
Atlanta being taken, with 18,000 prisoners, and Mobile with
10,000, was received with great rejoicing.
6th. A detachment of the garrison, out foraging, was
iired upon, losing one killed and six wounded. The boys were
interested in securing good weapons and ordered 860 Henry
rifles, 16 shooters, at $48.00 each.
8th. Lieut. Converse was relieved from duty as Acting
Adjutant, and Lieut. Blystone of F, detailed.
11th. Adjutant Letton resigned, and thus were changes
made.
12th. The 44th U. S. C. T. left for Dalton. Colonel re-
ceived orders to move into their camp, which the boys did not
like.
L3th. The order to change camp was countermanded as
the colored troops were ordered back.
14th. The following circular was issued :
[
Headquarters 50th Illinois Infantry, /
Rome, Ga., Sept. 14, 1864. \
Circular.
All non-veterans of the Fiftieth regiment Illinois infan-
try volunteers, whose time of service lias expired, are hereby re-
lieved from all duty until further orders.
By order of
Lieut. Col. WM. HANNA.
L. W. Blystone,
Lieut, and Acting Adjutant.
15th. Pleasant. Lively times at the front and in camp.
Two foraging parties were out. The one on the Van Wert
road was surrounded and had to cut its way through, and
nearly all were wounded. The Alabama cavalry, <>n the Cave
Spring road, met a strong force and were driven in. At noon
the long roll was beaten in the camp of the 7th, which assem-
bling marched at once. The 89th Iowa, Fiftieth and 57th IMi-
/
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
291
nois fell in ready to move when called. The cavalry and 7th
drove the enemy more' than a mile when they met an obstacle
in the shape of two pieces of artillery. After a sharp skirmish
the 7th, with the cavalry, withdrew. A heavy force being re-
ported across the Ostenaula, the forts around Rome were man-
nod by the 1100 convalescents at present in hospital, being arm-
ed from military stores on hand.
10th. Pleasant and cool. We began building shanties,
expecting to stay. It was reported that a flag of truce from the
enemy appeared on our picket line on the Cave Springs road.
17th. Lieut. C. H. Floyd, A. D. C. to Colonel Rowett,
went out on the Cave Springs road with a flag of truce relative
to the dead and wounded of the skirmish of the 15th, but was
met by the enemy and turned back. Rumors of an attack by
the enemy were flying in camp, and the 7th Illinois with one
piece of artillery, moved out on a reconnaisance, returning
without seeing the enemy.
18th. Four companies of the Fiftieth went out on a
scout over and beyond the Etowah, returning with like result.
Resignations accepted of Captains Cramer of A, Chas. Fee of F,
and King of G, and Lieuts. Harbison of B, Weakly of F, Lock-
wood of E, and White of K. Soon the "non-vets" will leave us.
Many of the officers are now leaving, their terms of service
having expired.
2€>th. Sergeant Major James DeYaney was detailed to
recruit a company for the 1st Alabama cavalry, and Private C.
F. Hubert of company D, assigned to duty, temporarily, as Ser-
geant Major of the regiment. Captain Fee and Lieut. Weakly
started for home.
21st. Antoine Mutz, company E, detailed as orderly.
Col. Bane returned from Illinois and called at headquarters of
the U. S. forces; his brother, Dr. Bane, visiting the regiment
for the night.
23rd. Guard mounting for the first time by the new
Sergeant Major. The resignation of Lieut. Bissell, company A,
accepted. Lieut. Harbison, late of B, started for home. Notice
under flag of truce was received during the day from the enemy
9(»
HISTORY OF THE
to move out the women, children and non-combattaiits, as they
proposed to attack.
Politics were under discussion and much interest was
manifested by the boys concerning the election. Indicative as
to the general feeling of the troops, extracts are given from a
letter written home under date of September 23rd, '04. Among
other tilings, writing to his father, he said:
"Now Father, I want to write a line relative to the com-
ing 'presidential election and its great importance, I want-to
know who you are going to vote for. Now I know you want the
war to stop as well as any of us; also that you see in the papers
letters, purporting to be from the Union soldiers, saying that
Gen. MeClellan is the man for the soldier. Now, Father. 1 want
vou to notice that to every sinqle note of this kind, von never
saw the soldier's name. Now. Father, I don't say that there
are no copperhead soldiers in the army, for we have a few in
our regiment, (soon going home), hut the chief cause of their
failing is not the nigger, no sir. but it is their copperhead friends
of the north, that's who it is.
"When you see a letter from a Union soldier he is not
afraid to put his name to it.
''Nov;. Father, do not, if you love your country, your God
and your children, have anything to do with destroying this
glorious Union, which your sons have, and arc, periling their
lives to protect. Shun all disloval company and do nut vote
' the copperhead ticket, no matter who may say it is right. For
there are too many traitors in the north now."
27th. Mustering officerin camp and the "stoten-bottles"
are mustered out and ready for home, but were compelled to re-
main over night as there was no train for them. Under orders
heretofore issued, the 2nd division is made a part of the loth
,A. C, under the name of the 4th division. General J. M. Corse,
commanding.
20th. The "stoten-bottles*' left for home. We were sor-
ry to part with them hut they have done good service, and de-
serve the praise of all good, loyal people. As there was no train
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
293
for them they marched to Kingston, twelve miles. Two wagons
were allowed them to haul their baggage.
Oct. 1st. Under Regimental Order No. 5, company com-
manders are ordered to daily drill their companies in company
and skirmish drill, excepting on Sunday.
2nd. General Corse arrived and assumed command.
Establishing his headquarters his first act was to hang a large
ilag out over the street for all to pass under.
Mm* i ^.%\
GKNKKAL JOHN M. COliSE.
•
CHAPTER XVII.
ALLATOONA.
THP] battle of Allatoona will go down in history as one of
the most notable of the lesser engagements of the war of
rebellion. The fierceness of the attack and the stubborn
heroism manifested in the defense, will ever redound to the
name and fame of not only the rebels, but in a higher sense will
crown the gallant defenders of the Union with an honor as glo-
rious as it will prove to be imperishable. Allatoona was a most
important post on the line of communication with General
Sherman's rear. It was fairly well fortified, and stood guard,
not only over the railroad, but as well over a large amount ni
provisions and other munitions of war. On the first (lay of
October, 1S04. the position was held by a garrison consisting of
three regiments of infantry, a detachment of the 5th Ohio cav-
alry and the 12th Wisconsin battery, numbering in round num-
bers, 965, of which 185 were raw recruits but just received by
the 4th Minnesota.
With the capture of Atlanta, by Gsneral Sherman, came
new dispositions of troops in pursuance of the plans and pur-
poses for a newer and grander, campaign than before organized,
For General Sherman was then in full meditation of the scheme
to cut loose from his connection with his rear, leaving his lines
in that direction open to the designs of the enemy, trusting to
the skill and bravery of General Thomas and his officers and
men, with which the enemy might be successfully resisted in
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 205
his march to the rear. Whether or not Hood would avail him-
self of the tempting opportunity through which he was invited
to seize and hold Sherman's communication with Chattanooga
and Nashville, was a problem which he, Hood, had apparently
studied with care, while yet silent as to solution. On the 20th
of September he crossed the Chattahoochie and though spies
and scouts were sent out, and frequent roeonnaisances made in
every direction by the Union troops, Hood so concealed the ob-
jective of his movement as to leave Sherman and his Generals
in constant doubt as to his intentions. But on' the 3rd of Oc-
tober his cavalry destroyed the road near Big Shanty. On the
same day a train was captured near Acworlh and the road torn
up for three miles- south of Allatoona, and his plans had be-
came so developed as to leave but little doubt that he had his
eye fixed upon the rich prize at Allatoona. Sherman, from now
on, never lost sight of his wily enemy. He had now become so
assured of Hood's intention that on the 3rd of October he or-
dered General Corse, at Rome, to suspend a movement then un-
der contemplation and to hold himself in readiness for imme-
diate action.
By noon on the 4th General Sherman was completelv
satisfied as to Hood's intention and lie therefore signalled Gen-
eral Corse from Kennesaw that Hood was moving upon Allatoo-
na, shortly followed by another dispatch directing him to march
at once to the relief of the garrison at that point.
At 7 p. m. on the 4th, Colonel Rowett's brigade, consist-
ing of eight companies. A, R, C, D, F, G, II and I, of the
Fiftieth Illinois. 204 men, Lieut. Col. Haihia commanding, eight
companies 39th Iowa, 2b0 men, 7th Ills, 2Cn men, two companies
57th Ills, 01 men, and a detachment of the 12th Ills, 155 men,
with CO rounds per man ; total, 1051, with 105,000 rounds of
ammunition, were loaded upon a train and at 8:30 p. m., left
for Allatoona, arriving there at 1 o'clock a. in. of the 5th, the
train returning at once for the rest of the brigade, and as many
of the other troops as possible, expecting to return by daylight,
but, unfortunately, meeting with an accident, tin- train did not
arrive until about 0 o'clock p. m., on the evening of the 5th.
296
HISTORY OF THE
The troops now landed at Allatoona, as well as the garrison,
under Lieut, Col. Tourtellotte, were now under the command of
Brigadier General John M. Corse. As early as two a. m. the
skirmishing along the picket line was so marked in character as
to justify the sending of the 18th Wisconsin to reinforce the
outposts; this was followed, near morning, by a battallion of
the 7th Illinois as a support; the enemy pressing ai all [joints,
and heavily from the south toward the railroad depot.
^^IS^S^tP^^^^^fS
#^:^'-&,^C^^ i:'^^?:"-'V-% '*e& •
~-M BE cm L.:'rrt, i 1 I: f-£; ■ • 5 .
1 " -'~ ' L_»l
Viciv of Alb.ttiitma Pass find Star Fort from the South.
At daylight the lines were strengthened by the with-
drawal of the forces in the town to the summit of the ridges on
either side of the railroad cut. About 0 a. m. the troops were
in the following position, viz: The 7th Illinois and 39th Iowa
in line of battle facing west on a spur that covered the redoubt
on the hill immediately over the cut; one battallion of the 93rd
Illinois in reserve, the other in line of skirmishers moving along
the ridge in a westerly direction feeling for the enemy, who
were endeavoring to push a force around our right (lank. The.
4th Minnesota, Fiftieth and 12th Illinois were in the works on
the hill east of the railroad rut; the balance of the command
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
297
were engaged in skirmish and outpost duty. The contest early
assumed all the proportions and incidents related to a battle.
The assaults of the enemy were not only skillfully planned but
ti* excellently carried out. The cannonading and musketry was
severe upon both sides; finally, at 8:15 a. m., the battle quieted
somewhat, when a flag of truce was seen approaching from the
uorth-west, borne by Major Sanders, Adjutant General on the
stalT of Maj, Gen'l S. G. French, commanding the rebel forces.
Major Sanders was accompanied by an escort of sixteen men
from a North Carolina regiment, under the command of Lieut.
K. T. Freeman, Assistant Inspector General. C. S. A.
Major Sanders, upon approaching our lines, was halted
and his business being made known, a communication addressed
to the commander of the Union forces was delivered to an offi-
cer at the west line of works, who at once wont in search of
General Corse, who was reported to be on the east side, but who
had passed to the west side, where lie was soon found, and the
following communication delivered to him:
Around Allatoona,
October 5th, ISGJf.
Commanding Officer U. S. Forces,
AllcitooiMt >.'
S
ir:
I have placed the forces under my command in such po-
sition that you are surrounded, and to avoid a needless effu-
sion of bleed, 1 call on you to surrender your forces at once and
unconditionally. Five minutes will be allowed you to decide.
Should ycu accede to this, you will be treated in the
most honorable manner as prisoners of war.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully yours,
S. G. FRENCH,*
Major General Commanding C. S. Forres.
After noting the same, the General seated himself upon
a'stump and wrote the following reply:
(i<j>
298 HISTORY OF THE
Headquarters 4th Division, 15th A. C,
AUatoona, Ga., Oct. 5th, lSGJh 8:80 a. m.
Maj. Gen. S. G. French,
C. S. Army, &c. :
Your communication demanding surrender of my com-
mand, I acknowledge receipt of, and would respectfully reply
that we are prepared for the "needless effusion of blood1' when-
ever it is agreeable to vou.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN M. CORSE,
Brigadier General Commanding IL S. Forces.
The message transmitted, the General hastened to his
different commands and informed them of the object of the
flag and of his answer, and of the importance of their prepar-
ing for hard fighting. Colonel Rowett was directed to hold the
spur on which .the 89th Iowa and 7th Illinois were formed while
Colonel Tourtellotte was sent over to the east hill, with orders
to hold it to the last, calling for reinforcements if needed,
Two companies of the 93rd Illinois were sent down a spur par-
allel with the railroad, and along the brink, and so disposed as
to hold the north side as long as possible. Three companies of
the 93rd which had been driven in from the west end of the
ridge, were distributed m the ditch south of the redoubt, with
instructions to keep the town well covered by their fire, and to
watch the depot where were stored over a million rations. The
remaining battallion, under Major Fisher, lay between the re-
doubt and Rowett's line, ready to reinforce where most needed.
(At this time the Fiftieth and 12th, lying along the crest of the
ridge, on the east side, facing south, were ordered to change
front to the rear, which was quickly executed, and were disposed
along the crest facing north and west.) Hardly had these pre-
parations been made when the storm broke, in all its fury, on
the 39th Iowa and 7th Illinois. Cockerell's brigade, 1900 strong,
had gained the west end of the ridge and moved with great im-
petuosity along its crest until it struck Rowett's command,
where they received a severe cheek, hut, undaunted, they came
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
209
again and again. General Corse, in his report, thus depicts the
battle scene :
"Rowett, reinforced by the 93rd Illinois and aided by the
gallant Redfield, encouraged me to hope we were all safe here,
ivhen T observed a brigade of the enemy, under command of
General Sears, moving from the north, its left extending across
the railroad. I rushed to the two companies of the 93rd Illi-
nois which were on the brink of the cut running north from the
redoubt, and parallel with the railroad, they having been rein-
forced by the retreating pickets, and urged them to hold on to
the spur, but it was of no avail. The enemy's line of battle
swept us back like so much chad*, and struck the 89th Iowa in
(lank, threatening to engulf our little band without further
ado. Fortunately for us, Colonel Tourtollotte's fire caught
Sears in the flank and broke him so bad as to enable me to get
a staff officer over the cut with orders to bring the Fiftieth Ills,
over to reinforce Rowett, who had lost very heavily. However,
before the regiment sent for could arrive, Sears and Young both
rallied and made their assaults in front and on the flank with
so much vigor and in such force as to break Rowett's line, and
had not the 89th Iowa fought with the desperation it did,
I never would have been able to have brought a man back into
the redoubt. As it was, their hand to hand struggle, and stub-
born.staiid, broke the enemy, to that extent, he must stop to
reform before undertaking the assault on the fort. Under cover
of tlie blow they ijavc the enemy, the 7th and 93rd Illinois and
what remained of the 39th Iowa, fell back into the fort. The
fighting, up to this time, (about 11 a. m.), was of a most extra-
ordinary character; attacked from the north, from the west and
from the south, these three regiments, (39th Iowa, 7th and 93rd
Illinois), held Young's and a portion of Sears and Cockrell's
brigades at bay for nearly two hours and a half. The gallant
Colonel RedhVld of the 89th Iowa, fell, shot in four places, and
the extraordinary valor of the men and officers of this regiment
and the 7th Illinois, saved'to us Allatoona.
4,So completely disorganized were tie? enemy that no reg-
ular assaults could be made on the fort till 1 had the trenches
800
HISTORY OF THE
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-..vv.-: ■■-. .
■■■..-■ ' . ■■ ■ '■
I
!
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
301
filled and the parapets lined with men. The 12th and Fiftieth
Illinois arriving from the east side enabled us to occupy every
foot of trench and keep up a line of fire that, as long as our
ammunition lasted, would render our little fort impregnable-
The broken pieces of the enemy enabled them to fill every hol-
low and take advantage of the rough ground surrounding the
fort, filling every hole and trench, seeking shelter behind every
stump and log that lay within musket range of the fort. We
received fire from the north, south and west face of the redoubt,
completely enfilading our ditches and rendering it almost im-
practicable for a man to expose his person above the parapet.
An effort was made to carry our works by assault, but tlie bat-
tery, (12th Wisconsin), was so ably managed, and so gallantly
fought as to render it impossible fur a column to live within
100 yards of the works.
"Officers labored constantly to stimulate the men to ex-
ertion, and most all that were killed or wounded in the fort
met this fate while trying, to get the men to expose them-
selves above the parapet, and nobly setting. them the example.
The enemy kept up a constant and intense fire, gradually clos-
ing around us, and rapidly filling our little fort with the dead
and dying. About 1 p. m. 1 was wounded by a rifle ball, which
rendered me insensible for some thirty or forty minutes;, but
managed to rally upon hearinu; some person or persons cry
"Cease firing," which conveyed to me the impression they were
frying to surrender the fort. Again I urged my staff, the few
officers left unhurt, and the men around me to renewed exer-
tion, assuring them that Sherman would soon be there with re-
inforcements; the gallant fellows struggled to keep their heads
above the ditch and parapet in the face of the murderous fire of
the enemy now concentrated upon us. The artillery was silent
for want of ammunition, and a brave fellow, whose name I re-
gret to have forgotten, volunteered to cross the cut, which was
under fire of the enemy, and go to the fort on the east hill and
procure ammunition. Having executed his mission successfully
he returned in a short time with an arm-load of canister and
case-shot. Abour 2:o0 p. m. the enemy were observed massing
302 HISTORY OF THE
a force behind a small house and the ridge on which the house
was located, distant north-west from the fort about 150 yards.
The dead and wounded were moved aside so as to enable us to
move a piece of artillery to an embrasure commanding the
house and ridge. A few shots from the trim threw the enemy's
column into great confusion, which being observed by our men,
caused them to rush to the parapet and open such a heavy and
continuous fire that it was impossible for the enemy to rally
From this time until neat 4 p. m. we had the advantage, and
maintained it vsith such success that they were driven from ev-
ery position and finally fled in great confusion, leaving their
dead and wounded and our little garrison in possession of the
field.
* **«•*** *
"We buried 281 rebel dead and captured 411 prisoners, 8
stand of colors and about 800 stand of arms. Among the pris-
oners brought in was Brigadier General Young, who estimated
the enemy's loss at 2000 killed, wounded and missing."
The story of this magnificent contest and victory passes
now from the general account to the more special relation of
the part taken by the Fiftieth. The details of the coming from
Rome have already been given. Upon the arrival of the train,
the troops having disembarked, the regrment formed in lint- of
battle and moved to the front;, on the east side of the railroad,
two hundred yards, to where a barricade had been erected in a
continuous line, running east, out of wagons placed end to end,
from which the wheels had been taken and placed against the
side. To the front could be seen, now and then, the flash of a
musket, which lighted up the darkness for a moment, showing
where the picket line had been established, and immediately
would come th^ response from the rebels, sending their leaden
compliments uncomfortably (dose to the line behind the barri-
cade. It was learned that a considerable body of rebel troops
were in close investment of the place, and it was confidently
expected that an attack would be made in the morning. The
night was so uncomfortable that daylight was welcomed regard-
less of what might follow, in the early morning hours, the
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY,
sound of troops marching, and artillery moving, lent strength
to the expectation that the assault would come from the right,
and that it would be determined and bloody. Daylight dis-
closed a six gun battery in position across the valley, so as not
only to sweep' the cut, but the whole south front of the Alia-
toona-ridge, Orders having been received to destroy the barri-
cade, as quickly as possible, the wheels were rolled away so as
not to be made available, and the wagon beds turned endwise to
the enemy, the end-boards taken out or broken, thus leaving as
little shelter for the enemy as possible, then the regiment by
columns of companies to the rear, marched up the hill into the
Works at the top. As soon as the movement began, which was
about 7a. m., the rebel battery across the valley opened, and sev-
eral of the regiment were knocked down by the shock of the
projectiles striking the hill-side, and a number were slightly in-
jured by dying gravel ; with these exceptions, the assent was
safely made, and the north slope occupied, in which the regi-
ment, for the time being, was protected from the rebel fire. The
enemy endeavored, however, to reach the line thus taken, and
elevated its artillery fire, but. without effect, save that several
were slightly injured by bursting shell, notably, Wm. S. Davis.
Jacob Thomas and Isaac J. Ogle of D company, who were knock-
ed down from the concussion of a shell, as was also Captain
Ib»rn of B, who was supposed to be dangerously hurt. Davis
was borne, unconscious, to where the hospital was located and,
-after a time, having revived asked ''what's the matter?1' and
being informed, returned to the ranks.
The detachment of the 1:2th Illinois under command of
Captain Robert Koehler, at daylight were in line of battle in
rear of the Fiftieth, and being left in this position at the foot
of the hill, and exposed to the severe shelling from the battery
in our front, were ordered t>> report to Lieut. Col.-Hanna, then
on the hill in rear of the fort. Moving his command by de-
tachments through the cut he ascended the ridge on the north
side, and reporting, was placed in position on the right of the
Fiftieth.
The signal corps was now in position at the left of the
304
HISTORY OF THE
Fiftieth, endeavoring to communicate with Kennesaw, and it
was with great satisfaction that we learned that Gen. Vaiidever,
at Kennesaw, bad, under instructions from General Sherman,
sent the*previous day, the following messages:
Kennesaw Mountain, Oct. 4, 18(34 — 2 p. m.
Coiii mandiag Officer, Allutoona:
Sherman is moving in force. Hold out.
VANDEVER, General.
And again :
Kennesaw Mountain, Oct. 4, 1864 — 0:30 p. m.
Cow mti nding Officer ', Alio. toona :
General Sherman says hold fast, we are coming.
VANpEVER, General
At this time, near 8 o'clock, a. m., great efforts were
made by the corps to communicate with Kennesaw mountain in
answer to a request for news — but the efforts were fruitless on
account, of the dense smoke. Still it was a source of great sat-
isfaction to us to know that our commanders had knowledge of
our situation and were moving to our assistance.
The rebels seemed somewhat slow in forming for attack,
and Captain Horn with his company, B, wns sent out as skir-
mishers on the north side, near the creek. By this time Gem.
French, commanding the rebels, had sent his demand for the
surrender of the Union forces, and 9 o'clock was now at hand
and the enemy moving to the .-attack. His first blow was against
the 7th Illinois and 80th Iowa, which formed a line facing south
and west, on the right of the railroad. The sixteen shooting
Henryrifl.es of the 7th began to rattle and, with the sharp crack
of the muskets of the 39th, gave evidence that the struggle had
begun. Their determined fire proved very effective and, al-
though the rebels numbered six to one, and their attack was de-
livered with great bravery and. force, they could not drive the
two gallant regiments from their position, and were compelled
to fall back and re-form. While the 7th Illinois and 89th Iowa
were engaged in their terrific fight with Cockerell^s and Young's
brigades, and exhausted with the a irony of battle, a new danger
/
,
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
305
threatened them with destruction, positive and overwhelming.
Sears rebel brigade, composed of five Mississippi regiments,
■a an discovered approaching from the north. Availing himself
of this most opportune moment, General Corse ordered his
troops into the little fort and trenches surrounding it.
General Tourtellotte
was advised to prepare
for the attack, and by
direction of Lieut. Col.
Jdanna, the 12th was
sent on the double quick
to. take position along
the bank of t he railroad
cut, facing west, while
the Fiftieth changed
front to the rear by a
Mj% V,-i f;.~
) Wm
criT
^*?j3&?-
"h^
SIGNAL STATION KENNESAW
$11] IXLJfe^ir
countermarch, thus fa- MMMm^^^^ ^ -^:
cing north, and ready ^^^^P::-^^»i«^'5^^- fl ,
tor the advancing rebels.
About this time the sig-
nal corps at the left of
the Fiftieth, succeeded in sending to Kennesaw, in answer to the
inquiry, this information:
Allatoona, Oct. £>, lSO-1.
Signal Officer, Kenursaw:
General Corse is here with one brigade. Where is Gen-
eral Sherman?
ADAMS, Signal Officer.
*
Rapidly bearing down upon them came the rebels, stri-
king the already shattered regiments from Illinois and Iowa.
The result could have had but one termination had it not
been for the withering fire from Tourtollotte's guns and rifles,
conpl.-d with the fact that his left had struck a hornet's nest.
Briefly stated the 85th and 3iM.li Mississippi regiments were con-
fronted on the left by the Fiftieth Illinois, a part of the 12th
Illinois, and the 4th Minnesota, all east of the railroad.
<
300
HISTORY OF THE
The resistance of these regiments to the further advance
of the enemy was as valiant as it was effective. Against oppo-
sition so determined there was nothing save defeat, and so it
came to be, that while Sears' right, three regiments, were being
crushed by Tourteliott»vs fire, his left was being paralyzed and
hurled back by the gallant men from Minnesota and Illinois.
While this assault was being made from the north, the
rebel artillery fire from the south had ceased and the smoke
of battle for a few moments was blown away, and in answer to
the frequent inquiries already received, again was sent the fol-
lowing message :
We hold out. General Corse here.
ADAMS, Signal Officer.
Followed by :
General Sherman:
Corse is here.
Allatoona, GrA., Oct. 5, 1864.
TOURTELLOTTE, Lt. Col. Com'dg.
In a few moments the enemy were observed preparing for
another assault upon the forces west of the railroad. At this
moment orders were received by Colonel Hanna to immediately
move his regiment to the support of Eowett. At ©nee the com-
mand was given to right face, forward by file right, march, the
regiment taking up the double quick started. Here dropped
Jasper ('handler of company D, shot through the head, and
quite a number wounded. Down the road to the depot, under
a terrific tire from the battery on the south, they moved, halt-
ing at the depot long enough to disperse a squad of the enemy
who were endeavoring to lire the rations stored there, the reg-
iment rushed onward, followed by the 12th, under the same
scorching fire, to the support of the troops at the fort.
Arriving at the point directed, the regiment swept into
line in time to assist in meeting and repulsing the expected as-
sault in which Corporal Samuel M. Pike, company I, and Lem-
uel G. Poe, company B, wore killed. In the brief time allowed by
the repulse of tie.' enemy, the Fiftieth, with other troops, made
1 |
-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
307
for the fort, the men leaping up and jumping through the embra-
sures, while many took their place in the trenches surrounding
the fort. Hardly had the troops in the fort and trenches time
to prepare to receive an assault, before tha enemy again ad-
vanced, yelling like devils. Filled with the frenzy of battle,
they dashed against the works only to be driven back with great
slaughter.
At this time Johnathan B. Harris, Thomas E.Tout, Goo.
E. Tuxford, Smith Wright, of company A; Terrell B. Proctor,
James Spicer of C ; Sergeant Robert W. Mercer, James M. Buck
of I): William Richie of F; 2nd Lieut. Albert S. Wright of G,
who had just received his commission and was not yet muster-
ed, and John CorTman of H, of the Fiftieth, in the trenches in
front of the fort, gave up their lives, while many were desper-
ately wounded, among them Lieut. Chas. M. Tar. of C.
By this time Sears had found it impossible to take the
works on the east side of the railroad, and began to retire,
leaving the Union troops masters of the field.
Time and again the enemy returned to the assault, but
without avail, for the men inside the fort, in desperation, with-
stood the shock of the charge and, standing on the parapets,
fired into the face of the foe, receiving from their comrades
muskets fresh loaded, and throwing back the empty one.-, thus
being enabled to maintain a constant and most destructive fire.
When the brave fellows at the top tell, others from below sprang
into the vacant places, and thus the work of death went on.
War held high carnival that day, and many were the victims
offered at the bloody feast.
At this time, General Corse having been wounded, the
Fiftieth, with troops then at hand, were being formed to repel
the enemy, then re-forming at the little white house and in a
ravine at the rear for another attack. Colonel Hanna was
wounded, as also, was Colonel Rowett and Surgeon A. G. Pickett,
who, although severely hurt, kept busy attending to the suffer-
ing ones about him.
As the sun had run his course but an hour past his mer-
idian, the broken and decimated enemy fell back to gather
80S HISTORY OF THE
strength for a last and desperate effort to retrieve the fallen
fortunes of the day; but the effort did not materialize, for a
short time after 2 o'clock their last formation was broken and
t hoy were withdrawing from the field. At 4 p. m. a message
from Kennesaw again called Allatoona, and at 4:15 p. m. the
f o 1 1 o w i n g w a s se n t :
We are all right so far. Where is General Sherman?
ADAMS, Signal Officer.
To which was soon received the following comforting
reply :
Kennesaw Mountain, October 5, 1864.
Commanding Officer^ Allotoona:
Near you.
And again soon after:
Kennesaw Mountain, October 5, 1864.
Tell Allatoona to hold on. General Sherman says he is
working hard for you.
These messages were soul stirring then, and to many souls
the world over have been inspired since. From them the beau-
tiful hymn, "Hold the Fort," originated.
The incidents of the battle of this day ore numerous.
Among them is the following: As the boys in the fort had a
short respite from the work of battle, one of them, who had
been wounded, started for Dr. Pickett; but the Doctor was
hopping towards the Colonel to attend him and being best on
the hop left the soldier behind.
Sergeant Slater Lewis of company C, wounded through
the arm, was seen, soon after the battle, directing his men to
prepare a barricade of cotton bales near the hospital to protect
it from the rebel sharp shooters.
A rebel Major who was captured, in a conversation, after
the battle, remarked that "it was the general belief among the
southern people, if Gen'l McClellan was elected President the
war would immediately cease."
The sound of battle ceased, and the worn soldiers of the
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
000
Union, cheering at their victory, gained at such a sacrifice and
from odds so frightful, set forth to search the war wrecked
ground for their dead and wounded comrades, and then became
aware of the magnitude of the fight. The close of day drew
near, and darkness came before much could be done. ' Still the
search went on.
The glorious rain that generally follows great battles did
not fail us now, and during the night fell in a steady down-pour
from 1 p. m. until daylight, greatly relieving the suffering of
thewounded on the field, but very disagreeable to those unhurt.
All night long the steady tramp was heard, through the mud
and darkness, cf the searchers for the dead and wounded.
Many were ministering to the wants of their suffering comrades,
or with tender, loving care, leading them to the shore of that
chill river, which is called death.
The hospital presented an intensely interesting sight, for
as the wounded, Union or rebel, were brought in the surgeons of
the brigade, there on duty, received them and at once set about
relieving their suffering. The rebel surgeons being assigned to
their own wounded, for whom every comfort at hand was sup-
plied. And so, all through the night by the candle's flickering
light, the surgeons ply their calling, while thick around them
lay dying, or in agony intense, hundreds of men who but a few
hours before were strong in health and resolute in their hold
on life. Morning came, and with it a never to be forgotten
sight. All around the house shown in the cut of Allatoona, lav
the dead, dying and wounded, waiting to be borne, some to their
last restjng place, some to the amputating table, and others to
the care of their comrades. The dead were gathered together
and buried, members of each company and regiment were placed
side by side. Wrapped in their blankets they slumber until
the resurrection morn.
At 2 p. m., by direction of Baehtell, the chief signal offi-
cer at Kennesaw mountain, Lieut. Fish signaled as follows:
i
310 HISTORY OF THE
Kemnesaw Mountain, October G, 1864.
Allatonna:
How is Corse? What news?
DAYTON, Aide de Camp.
To which was sent Corse's famous reply:
Allatoona Ga., October 0, 2 p. m.,
Received at 3:15 p. m.
Capt. L. M. Dayton, Aide de Camp:
I am short a cheek bone and one ear, but am able to
whip all hell yet. My Josses are very heavy. A force moving
from Stillsborougli on Kingston gives me g&nae anxiety. Tell
me where Sherman is.
t JOHN M CORSE, Brigadier General.
The wounded, that could be moved, were placed on board
cars that were standing there, to be taken to Hume as soon as
an engine arrived.
On the 7th at 10 a. m., the train started for Rome; just
as it started other troops came in relieving us and we start at
once. At the Etowah near Cartersville, we found the bridge
badly injured from the heavy freshet. The wounded had to be
taken from the train and conveyed in ambulances over a pon-
toon bridge and. placed in cars on the opposite .side, which
feeing without locomotive, was pulled by mules to CartersviTIe,
wheto we camped for the night.
The officers and men at Cartersville, and at the river as.
-well, were very kind to the wounded, providing them with cof-
fee and bread, and doing all in their power to relieve their suf-
fering, which was intensified by the long delay. About 4 p. m.
the train conveying the wounded started for Rome, teaching
Kingston about dark, where the christian sanitary commission
provided them with supper, after which the train moved out ; 2
miles from Kingston, a covered wagon bridge over the Etowah
was burning, to prevent the enemy from crossing. Arriving at
Rome at 9 p. m. on the 8th, coming into town Dr. Leonard of
the 7th, riding on top of a car, was caught by a telegraph wire
and severely hurt.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
311
On the 9th at noon, • the Fiftieth, under Captain Horn,
with the troops that had marched up from Allatoona, arrived
at Koine and went directly to camp, tired, and weary, and sad;
a train also came in bringing more wounded, and the report
that we may be attacked to-morrow.
In summing up the result of the battle it was found that
our forces had been attacked by French's division estimated at
about TOGO men, of Stewart's corps. Three brigades, Ector's,
Cockrell's and Sears', over 2900, formed the assaulting column,
while the others were disposed on the other parts of the line,
keeping up a continuous fire. From the report of Gen. S. G.
French, C. S. A., we gather the report of his losses as:
KILLED W0U1IDED MISSING TOTAL
Ector's brigade 43 147 11 201
Cockerell'a " 43 1S2 22 246
Sears " 37 114 200 351
One Staff Officer, (Gen. Young) .... 1
122 413 233 799
The garrison at Allatoona consisted of:
NO. MSN KILLED WQtTNLED MISSIN6 TOTAL
03r<l Illinois 200 21 52 10 S3
ISth Wisconsin 150 2 12 81 98
4th Minnesota 450 11 33 44
5th Ohio cavalry 15 1 1
12th Wisconsin artillery, C guns 5 18 21
Total 905 39 114 01 247
The force from Home:
7th Illinois 290 35 G7 30 141
12th •« 164 9 40 58
50lh •• 267 15 71 80
57th •« Co. A 61 4 8 1 13
30th Iowa 2S0 40 52 7S 170
Total 1071
Grand Total, 1976 144 361 212 715
From General Corse's report we learn that we buried 231
rebel dead, captured 411 prisoners, *3 stand of colors, and about
800 stand of arms, also Brigadier General Young, who estima-
ted the enemv's loss at 2000 killed, wounded and missing. IJtit
812
HISTORY OF THE
the true number of the rebel killed and wounded we have no
means of ascertaining, many having been borne off the field
early in the day.
10th. Pleasant. Active preparations were made to re-
sist the expected attack on Rome. The convalescents were
armed and details made to strengthen the works, and during the
night orders were received for us to be in line at day break.
The official report of Col. Hanna is to-day submitted to brigade
headquarters :
Official Report of Lieut. Col. Wm. Hanna, Commanding 50th Regt
III. Inf. V. V., during the late buttle of Allatoona, Ga., fought
Oct. out, ISGJf..
• Headquarters 50th Ills. Inf'ty V. V.,
Rome, Georgia, October 10th, ISGJf.
In compliance with orders received from brigade head-
quarters, I took measures and provided my regiment with three
days rations and forty rounds of ammunition to each man. I
then formed the regiment and marched it to the depot at Rome,
Georgia, where there was a train in readiness, upon which I em-
barked the regiment on the evening of the 4th of October, 1864.
About 8 o'clock p. m., the train moved out and arrived at Alla-
toona, Ga.j about 1 o'clock the same night. We then disem-
barked and bivouacked for the remainder of the night on the
east side of the railroad, immediately in front of the two fort-.,
occupied by the -troops stationed at that place, and a little be-
fore daylight 1 received orders to move my regiment back from
the position I then occupied, and take a new one in column by
division in rear of a temporary breastwork builtof wagon boxes
and wheels, which 1 did, the men moving quickly but silently,
into position. During this time the pickets had been tiring. 1
then received orders from Colonel Rowett to move en the hill
in rear of the fort on the east side of the railroad. I moved by
the right of companies to the rear, and gallantly did the officers
and men move up the steep hillside, covered with underbrush
and briars, expecting every moment to be opened upon by the
enemy's artillery, which, it was reported, they had in position.
After I arrived on top of the hill 1 took position a fen yards in
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
£13
r;ir of the fort, I had just taken ths position when began a
fearful artillery fire from the enemy's battery, which was spirit-
edly replied to ty the battery in the fort, many of my men be-
ing wounded by the rebel shell. I kept the regiment in the
same position for about three hours. At about 10a, m. the 12th
Illinois infantry reported to me by direction of Col. Rowett. I
placed them on the right of the Fiftieth Illinois infantry. In
a short time I received orders to move one of my regiments to
the hank of the railroad cut. On receipt of the order I moved
the 12th Illinois infantry on the double quick. They then halt-
ed and took up a new position as directed.
I regret that. bom°* personally unacquainted with the
officers and men of the 12th Illinois inf., I am unable to give you
the names of those worthy of particular mention ; both officers
and men of the 12th Illinois infantry performed their part most
gallantly. It being about 11 o'clock a. in., the artillery firing
partially ceased and the enemy advanced in force, both in front
and on our right Hank, nearly in rear of my position. I then
went to see if I could find a better position, which I did. I
countermarched the Fiftieth Illinois infantry and took up a
new position, my right resting a little in the rear and to the
right of the fort, on the right of the railroad, my left resting on
the dirt road running up between the two forts. I then ordered
company 1> of mv regiment out as skirmishers, and under a gall-
ing lire of musketry, the men deployed and took their position
along the road running in front of the regiment, and about oUO
yards from the enemy's lines of battle. The enemy charged'
our lines three times, but by tie- gallant conduct of the officers
and the cool and courageous bravery of the men, they repulsed
them with heavy loss, our loss being very he&vy also, and now
the battle raged. I received orders to report with my command
on the west side of the railroad at the fort. I drew off the reg-
iment and marched at a double quick off to the left of the hill,
and under fire of artillery and musketry which I never have
seen equalled, the regiment passed down the hill facing the en-
emy, and across the railroad at the depot and up the hill to the
fort on the hill, where I was ordered to report tie.' command.
(20)
814
HISTORY OF THE
During the movement T had my regimental flag-staff shot oil
three different times with the enemy's shells. I am unable
to give the number, but many of my men fell before it was pos-
sible to accomplish the movement, and get the regiment in po-
sition, either killed or wounded. Bravely and nobly did the
officers and men of the Fiftieth Illinois Infantry maintain their
order, marching tip with that determined feeling which only
visits the brave soldier, to conquer or die, trusting in the God
of battles for that glorious result which followed, "Victory" I
then, with the assistance of what, officers I had, quickly form-
ed the regiment in front of the fort, next to the railroad, some
occupying a .-position to the left of the fort, which they took
and held under a most destructive fire of artillery and musket-
ry that has ever, in my opinion, been witnessed during this
present rebellion.
By this time I had lost all my officers but four, and about
one-fourth of my men, either killed or wounded. I was then
struck by a musket ball in the left thigh, which disabled me,
but the men did not falter, but fought on with that stern de-
termination whieh characterized them through the whole en-
gagement; though assailed by- thrice their number, they still
firmly held their ground,, dealing out death to the enemy on
every occasion; though their comrades were falling thick and
fast around them; and thus the battle continued liivtil nearly
8 o'clock p.m., and at. 4 it had ceased altogether. Captain
Horn of my regiment,, then Goming.up with the remainder of
his company, took command of the regiment, and under his su-
pervision the dead and wounded were cared for; the dead buri-
ed and the wounded carried to the hospital that wa>- established
in the town. I wish particularly to call your attention to the
gallant and soldierly conduct of A. G. Pickett, -nd Asst. Sur-
geon of my regiment, who after having been wounded, com-
menced loading muskets for the men to lire." I do not mention
any of my line officers for the reason that 1 should be compelled
to compliment all, which would occupy too much time and
space, mentioning each one separately, though 1 here tender to
the officers o\ thcFiftietli Illinois infantry, my heartfelt thanks
:
flFTiETit Illinois infantry.
8iS
for their gallant support and soldierly bearing during the
whole engagement. After the dead and wounded were eared for
the regiment bivouacked on the battle-field immediately in
front of the fort. I have received the report of the casualities
of each company and find that out of 2G7 officers and men which
I took into action, I lost in killed and wounded 80 officers and
men. I was placed on the train. The regiment started from
All a toon a on the afternoon of the 7th and arrived at Rome,Ga.,
on the 9th of October, 1864.
I am very respectfully,
WILLIAM BANNA,
Lieut. Col. Commanding Regiment.
Lieut. N. Plansbueg,
Acting Adjutant.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Closing Incidents Around Rome — Keconnoifcering and Skirmishing — The Sick
and Wounded going North — Preparations for a Grand Movement — Gen-
eral bherxpan at Rome — Off for a Trip ''Through Georgia." — On the
Wrong Road — Destroying Railroads — Arrival at Savannah — The Seige--
Fort McAllister — The Hungry Foragers — The President's Christinas Pres-
ent, Etc.
CONTINUING the record of events it is proper to say that
there was considerable bustle and preparation for the at-
tack. At day. light oh the 11th found tin- troops in line
and ICiTpatrick's cavalry on the south of Etowah, where they
engaged the enemy, who were passing north in force, to our
right, crossing the Coosa below Hone-.
On the li>rji out Acting Sergeant Major Hubert was or-
dered to report- at brigade headquarters with detail and band,
from the Fiftieth for brigade guard mounting. The rebs were
known to he advanKng on Rome, and at 10 a. m. appeared in
strong force on the west side and heavy skirmishing occurred,
in which ten rebels were killed and sixty captured. At 11p.m.
orders are received to bo ready to move, with two days rations.
at 5 a.m. to-morrow, on a reconnaisance.
At D a. m. on the 18th, we moved out over the Etowah.
The 28rd corps, which had come up from the front, moved out at
the same tint'.1, north, over the Oostananla. Five miles from
Rome were attacked by the enemy with two pieces of artillery.
We also had two piuOesiuid, throwing out skirmishers, drove
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
*-> t '
i\\ f»m eleven miles in the direction of Cave Springs. Heavy
tiring was heard on out right, by Sherman, and on our left, by
Kilpatrick, and Front by our brigade. We found no force of
the enemy at Cave Springs, the main part of Hood's army hav-
ing passed to our right, going north.
14th. Brigade guard mounting again with our band.
This brigade guard mounting is a new order of tilings to us.
Tiiton, a station above Dalton, occupied by the colored troops
was reported captured, and the rebs now in Snake Creek Gap,
occupying the breastwork's built by us.
loth. The 57th Illinois and another regiment went over
tire Oostanaufa and engaged the rear o:;f Wheeler's cavalry,
rapturing his 'Adjutant General. The troops remaining being
ready to move instantly. Pickets were tired into on the other
sale of the Etowah, and everybody was alert.
On the 16th Capt. Cyrus of E, was mustered out, and the
next day a large force of the enemy was reported moving south
on our right, toward Cave Springs.
Oct. 18th. The regiment was sent out under Capt. Horn,
on a reconnoitering expedition, nine miles on the Alabama road,
found no enemy. Lieut. Blystone was mustered out, and thus
one more of our gallant comrades left us.
On the 10th five companies were detailed to unload trains,
working hard all the afternoon. Some stragglers from the 44th
colored troops, escaping, came in ami reported that the regiment
had surrendered without firing a gun.
Oct. 20th. Lieut. Blystone hade: us good by, and on the
21st commissions frere received for Albert Jordun, 0- M". S.,
as 2nd Lieutenant of company IL and John T. Cuzzins, 1st
Sergeant company I, as 1st Lieutenant of that company.
22nd. Some of our men were re-mustered and some were
mustered out. A large quantity of ordinance stores were inspec-
ted and condemned.
The 28rd was pleasant. A wagon train from (ten. Sherman,
who is out forty miles, came in for provisions.
24th. The regiment went out for forage. Capt. Dunn
of company i, was mustered out, Gideon fladlev of C, who was
.
818
HISTORY OF THE
wounded in the head at Donelson, ar.d again at Allatoona, died
and on the 25th J. Jenner of company C, died from wounds re-
ceived at Allatoona. Both were laid to rest in the cemetery.
20th. To-day leaves of absence were received for the
wounded officers, Col. Hanna, Lieu ts. Tar and Starrett of C, and
Lieut. McNeil of II, to go home.
On the 28 th some of the wounded went north and Gen.
Sherman arrived in Rome. His command returning from the
pursuit of Hood.
29th. The 16th and 78th Illinois came in. Many once
familiar faces were missing.
80th. Jacob Browning of company K, died.
31st. Col. Hanna, Lieuts. Starrett of C and McNeil of
LI, leave for home to-day. Lieut: Tar was too badly wounded
to go at this time.
November 1st was pleasant. Active preparations for
leaving Rome was in progress. The forts were blown up and
the seise [runs, 64 pounders, destroyed, and all expect to move
soon. Arrangements for moving the sick and wounded to Chat-
tanooga was made, and while this was being done, James A.
Crook, a recruit of company 1), wounded at Allatoona, shot
through the knee and body, passed to tie1 great beyond ; poor
fellow, lie suffered intensely.
Rainy weather now set in, continuing through the 2nd
and Brd, when tie1 hospital train arrived and the sick and
wounded were taken to Chattanooga, Dr. Pickett going with
them.
The 4th was rainy also and pay-day. Two months pay
and one instalment of bounty — $82.00, was received by the pri-
vate. To-day a squad of rebels dashed into the contraband
corrail, on the Summerville road, and captured a soldier on
picket. Sergeant Jack Adams of company D, in charge, hear-
ing the tiring, ran out to see what was the cause, when a
rebel, dressed in federal uniform, ordered him to halt; not
obeying, the johnny, at twenty paces, fired and missed, then
Jack fired and missed but got between him and the picket line;
iiie»t]ier one attempted to intercept Jack, who shot him, and
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 819
capturing the first one, returned to camp, with his prisoner, and
haying wounded another, who was carried oil' by his friends.
Stli. Tuesday. Still raining. The Fiftieth with one
1 1 ays rations, was out and returned at about 11 :80 p. m. During
the day the following dispatch was received at post headquar-
ters :
Kingston, ,Ga,, November 8th, lSGJf.
('(jnniKi.iidiiKj Officers of all Post*:
This is the rain I have been waiting for, and as soon as it
is over we will be\.>if.
W. T. SHERMAN,
t Major General.
November 9th, Wednesday. A heavy rain in the after-
noon. We now give the account of our trip through Georgia,
as described by one of the boys:
Thursday, 10th. Pleasant. In obedience to General Or-
ders No. 17, of this date, from division headquarters, received at
1 1 a. m., the brigade moved out at 3 p. in., towards Kingston,
under command of Lieut, Col. F, J. Hurl but of the 57th Illinois.
The Fiftieth under Capt. Henry Horn of company B, excepting
company K, that had been detailed as division train guards.
The defenses of Rome to be destroyed under the supervision of
Lieut. William Ludlow, LT. S. Engineer, and Capt. Burnham,
company 0, o\' the Fiftieth, provost marshal, and the rear to be
protected by the 52nd Illinois. As we started from our cam])
some one tired the shelters that we had occupied, and as we
looked back we beheld the burning of Rome. Having marched
four miles toward' Kingston, we bivouacked for the night.
General Corse reports.; "At daylight on the 11th, we
were moving to Kingston. Capt. Burnham, provost marshal,
reported to me that so well were the orders executed by the pro-
vost guard that there was not a private residence burned, or a
family disturbed."
Friday, 11th. At G o'clock we are off and reach Kingston
at noon. March about four miles further and camp. Drewtwo
days rations and were ordered t<> !»<• ready at i a. m. to-morrow*,
320
HISTORY OF THE
Rations consisted of fresh beef, which was cooked at night, cof-
fee, sugar and liard-tack; rice, beans, salt, pepper, vinegar and
such extras being withheld while on the march, and this defi-
ciency in quantity not being mad*1 up by increase of our
regular feed of hard-tack, &C.
Saturday 12th, got up at 2:80, so anxious were we to be
on the march, hut not until 5 a. m. did we start. Marched three
miles, to Cassville, and by 11 arrived at Cartersville. Here the
division train was loaded with provision and forage. We pass-
ed on by a row of burning buildings and reached the Etowah at
1 o'clock and stopped for dinner. At 2 p. in. started fcr Alfa-
toona, five miles awav. The road is verv rough and muddy,
strewn with dead horses and mules from the trains. Reached
Allatoona at sundown, camping en the ground, about one mile
south, occupied 1 y the rebels October 5th, as an outpost, and
where the battery on the south took its position, as heretofore
referred to.
Sunday, 13th. Started about 8 a. in., passing through
Ackworth and Big Shanty. This is the place where Andrews'
famous raid (capturing a locomotive) in 1£G2, occurred. March-
ed around the base of Kennesaw Mountain and camped inside
the breastworks, near Marietta, Ga., which has been a very
beautiful place. As we look buck up the valley, along the rail-
road, we can see lontr lines of tins; the railroad is being des-
troyed, the ties piled U]> and 1 urrn d. while the rails are laid
thereon so as to ruin them for further use.-
Monday. 14th. Started at seven-thirty a. m., passed
through Marietta, which had been partly destroyed by fire,
reached the Chattahoochie rivi r, sixteen miles distant, about
2 p. m., having passed through many fortifications, built by
both armies, our course was down the river along a line of
breastworks on the south side of Nick-a-Jack creek, that ap-
peared to lie impregnable. On page 129, Vol. 8S, No. 72, War
of the Rebellion, they are described as follows.:
"This line had been prepared by militia and contrabands
only a few days before, and consisted of good infantry parapets
connecting salient.-, in which wen- placed a large number of
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
821
li**ld artillery, in embrazures. The length of this lino wasnear-
Iv six miles. * * The left resting upon a 7 -gun redoubt
near the mouth of Niek-a-Jaek."
We then continued down the river on the right hand ridge
alioul five miles, along another line of works, that also appeared
impregnable. First there was a row of pickets, sharpened, then
a stockade and a small fortress every WO yards. Gen. Sherman
secured these works bv the out-flankine process. We cross the
river at Turner's ferry, on a pontoon bridge, and camp in the
works or fortifications occupied and strengthened by the 20th
or 23rd corps when it fell back from Atlanta, the queen city of
£frc south, eight miles distant, where we can now see the smoke
of her burning as from afar.
Tuesday, 15th. We are ordered at 8 a. m. to move at 7,
and at the appointed time move out as rearguard; pass over
the battle ground and through many lines of fortifications as
we neared the city, and stopped for dinner at White Hall, on
what was once the fair grounds. Around the city proper is a
very strong line of works, defended on the outside by chevauz-
nr-frisr, on the outside of which were two lines of palisades. —
stakes sharpened — and again, outside of this, a row of brush,
staked down firmly. It would be almost impossible for one to
walk over the ground and lines when all is peace, but how much
more difficult in the face of a deadly fire from muskets and ar-
tillery, can well be imagined. A large quantity of clothing and
-provisions were destroyed to-day in the city. While the city
was yet in flames, at 3 p. m.. we took up our line of march for
the interior, ike unconquered land, cutting loose from all com-
munication and receiving our last mail.
All the corps are furnished with good wagon trains, well
supplied with ammunition, but with Only twenty days bread,
forty days sugar and cotree, and a double allowance of salt ;
quite a drove of cattle said to be from Illinois accompany us.
Marching four miles we camp in the rebel works.
Wednesday, 16th. Started at 7 o'clock, marching verv
hard and steady for eleven hours and making twenty-three
miles, camped 28 miles from Atlanta with the men very tired;
822 HISTORY OF THE
Thursday, 17th. Received orders this morning at 3, to
move at 5 a. m., starting on time, our brigade in advance. The
country through \s Inch v. e pass to-day lias an abundance of forage.
The order of march is much better than ever before experienc-
ed, but somewhat more difficult for the men. Each corps moves
on a road by itself. The 17th and 15th A. C.'s comprising the
right wing, commanded by Major Gen'l Howard, accompanied
by Kilpatrick's cavalry. The 14th and 20th A. C's, the left
wing, under Major Gen'l Slocum, and the whole under the com-
mand of "Uncle Billy."
The left wing, under Slocum followed the line of the
railroad towards Augusta. The right wing, under Howard, in
the direction of Jouesboro and McDonough, making a feint on
Macon. The armv moves, as far as practicable, in four columns,
extending over a breadth of country from forty to one hundred
i miles wide.
The divisions in the different corps taking the lead alter-
nately; brigades the same, and regiments in the brigade also, —
for convenience and ease in marching our regiment alternates,
one day right in front, the next left. This as every soldier can
realize, is a great help as the rearmost men are always hurried.
The wagon trains are moved as far as possible on the
road, preeeeded by a brigade, with here and there a detachment
of troops marching in the road as guards, the rest moving
in two ranks on either side of the train. The rear is guarded
by a brigade; consequently the first troops over the road go
into camp about 4 p. m., and by 9 the whole command, neces-
sarily strung out, is closed up and in camp. The next morn-
ing the rear brigade and wagons start early, taking the lead to
be first in camp. It is estimated that the trains of the whole
army is nearly twenty miles long, and would take live hours to
pass any given point.
We passed through the towns of McDonough. about 11 a.
m., and camped two miles from Jaekson, on the Macon road, at
5 p. m.j and received orders to move at 4 a. m. to-morrow. It
is believed that our destination is Mobile, and we wonder if our
hurried movement is on account of Hood being in our rear.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
323
The country we are now in has not been visited by Yankee raid-
♦ rs and is well supplied with forage, sweet potatoes and fresh
M>1 iv.
Friday, 18th. Ready at 2;3Q a. m. to move, and a detail
of ten men, under Sergt. J. B, Hawkes of Co. If, was sent for-
aging, who returned loaded with fresh pork and sweet potatoes,
which were immediately cooked. While feasting at 5 p. m.,
having waited all day, we were ordered forward, and at G p. m.,
started, passing through Jackson and camping at Indian Springs
about eight miles distant, at 1 a. m. on the 19th, when a detail
of thirty men for grand guard was made. This night was
;« beautiful moonlight, and a fortunate thing for the boys
that we moved, for having feasted so ravenously on veget-
ables, especially sweet potatoes, it was extremely doubtful
if they would have been in condition to move the next day.
Kverv member of that march will recall that windy night.
At 6 o'clock a. m. we start again, in the rain, and a hard
march of five miles brings us to tin1 Ocmulgee river, where we
receive orders to camp. A large cotton factory and flouring
mill is burning, evidently tired by the 17th corps or Kilpatrick's
cavalry, which crossed here on a pontoon. While here the
Chaplain's horse became foundered and unable to stand. A
citizen living near the camp agreed to buy him, if tie1 Chaplain
would go with him to get the money. Crossing the river on 1 1 o •
pontoon, they went to a fallen tree in the midst of a camp of
some of the troops, and there he dug up from undei the top, a
box containing a "large roll of Greenbacks, lie preferred the
crippled horse, as he would be more able to keep it than a good
one. Two pontoons are down now, one for teams and artillery,
the other for infantry. Orders have been issued for the 7th
Illinois to be mounted on captured ttock.
Sunday, 20th. Rainy. Crossed on bridges constructed
out of canvass pontoons, and marched five miles and rested,
t lie Fiftieth in advance, moved live miles further on to near Mou-
teeello, ten miles from the mills, where companies lb D and IT
are sent as provost guards, and were distributed as guards
anion'' the citizens, by whom they were well entertained.
O.) i
HISTORY OF THE
Monday, 21st. Very cold and rainy. \Ve move to-day
at 9 o'clock, as rear guard, marching slowly until 4 p. m., when
we stopped to bury John W. Robbins, a recruit of company B,
who died in the ambulance this morning, lie was buried by
the road side, about six miles from Montecello. The roads
are very muddy; from 4 until 7 we move rapidly; mud iu pla-
ces, knee deep; wagons getting mired every few moments.
Reached Hill sboro about dark, over an awful road; hub deep
in mud; found the town in ashes. Going into camp company
G was detailed as guard to the commissary train.
Tuesday, 22nd. Very cold to-day. At daylight we are
olf. The march, like yesterday, is rapid and hard. The tramp,
tramp of so many feet make deep ruts in the roadside, and
where ihf teams travel on the hillside it becomes rutted into
regular steps. As the mules drop down from exhaustion they
are rolled out to one side and left more dead than alive. Wo
camped to-night two miles from Clinton and thirteen miles
from Macon. Our pontoon train is very troublesome and has
to be helped along, delaying our march. The brigade train
not coming tip a detail is sent back for provisions and draw
only one-fourth of our marching allowance, which is all we are
allowed, but we have plenty of sweet potatoes.
Wednesday, 28rd. Gold again, and at 0 o'clock we move,
passing through Clinton where the cavalry had skirmished yes-
terday. We marched about eight miles, and. taking the wrong
road, marched about three miles out Of the way, and then back,
going into camp at 8 p. m., and was immediately ordered into
line, marched two miles further, going into camp at 0 p. m. in
advance of all and five miles from Gordon; At Griswoldvillo
Station, eight miles from Gordon, the junction of the Millidge-
ville railroad, a severe battle was fought on the 21st by one
brigade of the Georgia State troops and the 1st division loth
corps, resulting in a loss to the confederacy of about 800 killed
and wounded and 400 prisoners. Many of these troops were
composed of young boys and old men, from fourteen to eighteen
and on to sixty years. Their display of bravery was remarked
from the fact of their having charged the line of Union veter-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS iNFANTtlY.
nns with a valor worthy of old soldiers, long used to battle.
\W camped on this field, and the Fiftieth is placed on outpost
duty in front.
Thursday, 24th. Received orders to wait for the brigade,
but soon after was ordered to proceed at once to Gordon.
Marched one mile and a half south camping at 1 p. m. The
destruction of the railroads is being carefully attended to, so
that we have not much apprehension of being molested by rail.
Friday, 25th. Started at 0 a. m. Aery cold and disa-
greeable. The roads are much improved. We pass through the
village of Erwington, a neat little town now in ruins. Having
marched eighteen miles, we camp about 4 p. m., seven miles
from the Oconnee river, southeast from Gordon.
Saturday, 20th. Start this morning at 5 o'clock', and
move rapidly, our brigade in advance, and about 11 o'clock
strike tie' swamps of tie' river on the road to Ball's ferry. Here
we found a part ^^ tie,' 17th corps, and the johnnies disputing
its passage; but a part of the 15th corps secured the crossing
and pontoons were soon laid, over which we crossed about noon,
moving out about nine miles, camping at Irwin's cross road, on
the Louisville road. Part of the brigade had proceeded too far
and were ordered to return. Here we had plenty of" forage, mo-
lasses and swert potatoes. The 1st Alabama had a skirmish
here losing <iix killed and thirty wounded. The rebels, bbO
strong, reported to have fallen back to fortify.
Sunday, 27th. This morning the brigade marched at 7
o'clock, three miles north to the railroad* Here we stack arms
and go to work to destroy the railroad by fire. A set of rules
have been prepared by which to do this work more effectively.
During this pastime the cry was taken up and carried along the
line, of '"Soldier, will you work?" — answered by '"No, I'll sell my
shirt first." Our track tearing and destroying reached three
miles when we camped at station Xo. 10 and 18, or Tennile.
Hen< we drew fresh beef, which we boiled during the night.
Monday. 2Mb. Started at G a. in. for the front and over-
took the train about 10 o'clock, at a cross road. We marched
steadily all day into a pine country, or the Georgia wilderness,
826
HISTORY OF THE
going into camp about 5 p. m. The brigade train not getting
up, we drew rations from the division train. We only receive
now one-fourth rations.
Tuesday, 29th. Received orders at 1 o'clock a. in. to
move at 5. and started at 0 as rear guard. We are still in the
wilderness, and as we march along wo hear the refrain, slightly
changed from the original,
"Won't you be glad to get out of the wilderness,'1 etc.
This is indeed a baren country; now and thon, along the road,
may he seen a settler's cabin, with a small patch of ground in
cultivation near it. Tie* timber is line. Trees tall and stately,
with no underbrush. One can see the troops and trains moving
along, beneath them like a huge reptile. We march eighteen
miles and go into camp about dark on Daniel's creek. To-day
one of the 52nd shot a contraband and was placed in charge of
our regiment, it being the rear guard. While we were at a halt,
along the road side a body of foragers were driving a number of
cattle along our left, a cow becoming crazed, made a dash at a
soldier who was passing along. The bovs veiled at him and he
sprang behind a tree, the cow striking the tree with a horn on
either side. One of company C said "I'm good for her,'' and
fixed his bayonet, standing at a charge to receive infantry. The
cow came on furiously, and lowering her head the bayonet passed
over it and into her shoulder at the withers, stopping her with
her head at his knees. It was more of a shock than he had.
'bargained for but he stood it manfully, amid the cheers of the
spectators.
Wednesday, 30th. Ordered at G a, m, to be ready to
move, and at 6:30 we started, the third regiment in the brigade.
We marched steadliy until noon, when we halt for dinner, one
mile northeast of Suinmerville, a village in the wilderness. We
find the country growing more swampy, and that we are now
crossing the headwaters of the Ohoopee river. At 2 p. m. we
start, and marching two milas go into camp. We received, to-
day, some southern papers, printed on wall paper, by which we
learn that Mobile has been captured; Granger is matching on
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 327
S-lma and Montgomery; Hood lias been whipped by Thomas
near Athens, CJa., and that Sherman having made several trials
to eruss the Ocmulgee river, had failed, and being surrounded,
would be captured.
Thursday, Dec. 1st. Marched slow to-day; roads very
muddy; teams wallowing in mud and frequently mired. Made
about ten miles and camped at 8 p. m. near the 1st division.
Friday, 2nd. Pleasant. Received orders to move at G;
starting en time, we marched slowly for five miles, halting on
Scull creek, nine miles from Milan and seventy from Savannah.
After dinner crossed the creek and went into camp. Here was
kUh'd two black snakes eight feet long.
Saturday, 8rd. Pleasant. Remained in camp during the
day and availed ourselves of the first opportunity of washing
our clothes and generally cleaning up. [n the afternoon our
arms and ammunition were inspected. Captain Horn, com-
manding the regiment, issued orders complimenting company
E for being in the best order, and directing that it be excused
from one turn at picket guard. Lieut. J. S. Gayer of D, was
relieved as A. Q. M. by Lieut. J. S. Worman of company A.
Sunday, 4th, Ordered to move at 5 and started at 0:30;
marched about twelve miles, over good roads, but very sandy,
and camped near a swamp. Orders to move at 5:30 to-morrow.
Monday. 5th. Started about 7 a. m. Marched two miles
and rested two hours near Nevil's creek, then moved on steadily
untii 7 p. m., making twenty miles, and camped in the timber.
Tuesday, Cth. No orders. The 1st and 2nd divisions
move out with the pontoon train. The 39th Iowa go to Gen.
Howard's headquarters, and we are ordered to move to-morrow
at 7 a. m.
Wednesday, 7th. Cloudy*; started at 7; at 8 it began to
rain. We marched steadily on the Savannah and Mt. Vernon
road to the Ogheechee river, where the 1st biigade crossed in
pontoon boats, under fire. The rebs., about a brigade in force,
had burned the bridge and destroyed the culverts. The road
from the river is a turnpike, graded up, so that on either side
are deep swamps. The foe retired stubbornly, resisting tin.' ad-
HISTORY OF THE
vance of the 1st brigade. We crossed and went into camp three-
fourths of a mile from the river. A foraging party was sent
out under Lieut. Gayer, returning at night with a supply of mo-
lasses.
Thursday, 8th, Started on time, 5:30 a. m., meeting no
opposition except fallen trees, chopped down by the enemy,
which had to be removed. Our brigade is in advance to-day,
and the "Blind Half" is in the lead, with Gen. Howard riding
at our head. At S p. m. we go into camp by the Savannah and
Ogheechee canal.. The 7th Illinois cross the river and skirmish
a little. Our trains are in the rear and we are out of meat.
Friday, 0th. The 1st brigade moved out to the front and
we move back to their camp to protect the rear. Skirmishing
began at 9 o'clock, in our front and on our left Hank. The
1st brigade, a-fter going into camp last night, built breastworks
facing t\i^ rear. Artillery and skirmish tiring was very steady
until noon, when we move forward, as rear guard, passed a
rebel cannon, dismounted by our artillery and abandoned.
Marched six miles and camped twelve miles from Savannah.
Here we entrenched, A detachment from the division seized
the Gulf railroad and capture a train of eighteen cars, with
many prisoners and considerable private property.
Saturday, 10th, Ordered at 3 a. m., to move at G:8<1,
Five companies of the 80th Iowa started out at 8 o'clock to re-
pair a bridge wer the Little Ogheechee river. At 7 we start:
marched three miles and crossed the bridge; the ground on either
side is a low marsh. The tide water rises and overflows, cov-
ering the road, a turnpike, several inches dee}) twice every 24
hours. A short distance further we find the detail from the
80th, and one mile further, the ground becoming higher, we
form in line of battle on the side of the road and move over
General Anderson's plantation, eight miles from Savannah.
Seven miles out from the city the enemy have a line of fortifi-
cations extending around the city, from the river above to
the river below. The approaches to the city are the Augusta
and the Gulf railroads and the dirt or shell road, that we
are now on ; all these are narrow causeways. Having deploy-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 829
. d into line of battle, the 7th Illinois was sent out as skir-
niisher% supported by one company of the 80th Iowa and
company D of the Fiftieth, Captain Riekart. The skirmish
tines discovering a force in front the line of battle, after pro-
Lw**?di**g <>ne-foiirth of a mile, was halted, while the skirmishers
advanced over a ridge, meeting considerable opposition. Here
they could.see in front, about a half mile, the line of works,
with several pieces of artillery in position behind them and
many soldiers standing in groups and walking about on top.
Behind the works quite a number of tents were standing, while
between the skirmish line and works was a large lake or mill-
pond, acros? which tie- road, graded up, passed. Guarding litis
road were two huge pieces of ordinance, G4-pounders. Not
meeting with any opposition after reaching the crest of the
ridge the line slowly advanced to the water's edge, Capt. Rick-
art arrived at the conclusion that the 17th corps had passed
around our right and were occupying the works, and so inform-
ed his men. Suddenly the artillery in the works opened and
dropped six shells into the ranks of company IX causing them
to fall hack to the crest of the ridge, amidst the shouts of the
johnnies as well as ourselves. The object of the advance hav-
ing been accomplished, i. e. to learn the ground, and the best
positions for attacking. Our skirmish line was moved to our
left and, bv mistake, became engaged with the skirmishers of
tie- 'Ivd division, the unfortunate contest lasted for about fif-
teen minutes before the mistake was discovered ; as a result
several horses were killed. At dark our line was withdrawn one-
halt mile. The firing of our artillery, which had taken position
on the crest of the hill, being continued. The wagon train
came up and parked in our rear.
Sunday, 11th. Rainy, We were ready at S o'clock and
move back one-halt mile, where we remained until noon, when
work was begun looking to the establishment of a more perma-
nent camp. Our artillery having taken position, was protected
by earthworks, and fiercely engaged the johnnies, who replied
vigorously, and their shells and shot were soon passing over our
"'amp; their skirmishers stationed on one side of the lake and,
(21)
830 HISTORY OF THE
ours on the other. Across the road, along even with our skirmish
line was placed a huge fascine, made like a basket, about six feet
in diameter, and forty or more feet long, this was rilled with
green saplings and made an excellent defence, manufactured
by our pioneer corps for the purpose, it took about as many
men to push it as could well be sheltered behind it, and was
rolled along as the line advanced.
Monday, 12th. Cold. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd divisions
move back and take a position on our right. Heavy artillery
all day, more particularly to our right.
Tuesday, 13th. Pleasant; some warmer. Our camp is
on Gen'i Anderson's plantation, in what appears to have been
an old field turned out many years aero, now covered with a
*y ft/ CJ '
growth "of pines over thirty-five years of age. We can still
plainly see the ridges of the old cotton rows. These pine trees
are straight and all of the same age — having thirty-live marks
of yearly growth. We cut them down, split them and build
small sheds with a fire-place at one side, made of logs,' which
being green, do not burn very fast, and do very well for shel-
ter. Water is scarce, so we dig holes and secure plenty in
the sandy soil. The day passes as yesterday. About 3 o'clock
p. m. we hear a continuous roll of musketry on our right, inter-
spersed with heavy cannonading; then it ceases and we hear dis-
tant cheering. We know a battle has been fought. Where, we
do not know, but from the cheering we do know who is victori-
ous. We hear cheering, nearer and nearer it comes, and, catch-
ing the spirit in the air, we begin to cheer also, and so the hap-
py shout runs all along the lines. At dark we learn that Fort
McAllister is ours.
Wednesday, 14th. Weather still pleasant and still in
camp. Our victory was complete yesterday ; 10 pieces of artil-
lery, 200 prisoners and a way for our fleet to reach our right;
up the Ogheeehee river, which the gunboats are now searching
for obstructions, Torpedos were planted in many unlooked for
spots b}' the rebs, and navigation is dangerous as well as travel
by land. We are now on short rations of meal and fresh beef
and have been for three days.
;
riFTlF/rit ILLINOIS INtfAXTRV.
oo 1
Thursday, loth.- Warm and pleasant. Received orders
at 9 o'clock to report for forage duty, to Capt. Benjamin, with
two days rations. This order was obeyed without delay except
so far as concerned the rations, which we were not burdened
with. Reporting to the forage train, five men were assigned to
each wagon and the march was begun, going south to the Ogee-
chee river. Here, at King's bridge, we were detained three
hours by the trains of the 1st and 8nd division of the 17th
corps coming in, they having been out on that side of the river.
The approach to the river on the south side was over a causeway
about rive miles long and very muddy, the country on either
side being marshy and overi lowed twice every twenty-fottr hours
by tide-water, making it impossible to move troops,. either way,
except over the road, and all incoming troops have right of way.
At two p, m. we crossed the river, and after a hard march
through mud and water, of ten miles, we halted for the night
at an old rebel camping ground situated on a plantation six
miles from Midway Church. The brick of this church is said
to have been brought from England in the early settlement of
the country. North and west of it is a very old cemetery, en-
closed by a stone wall about six feet high. In its front is a
beautiful sloping field; where it is said '"'Mad Anthony Wayne
was encamped during the revolutionary war," and here also
had many rebel soldiers encamped during the present war,
as shown by refuse matter, the incident of old encampments-
We were entirely out. of rations, and were not yet far enough
from our lines to obtain any forage. It was evident that an-
other night of hunger would be passed; however some of the
boys found, in the abandoned camp, some corn left by the
horses and mules, which was parched and divided as far as it
would go. This night witnessed the greatest dearth of provis-
ions during our term of service. Ten dollars was offered by one
of company B, for one hard-tack, the despised hard-tack, and
no takers found. About ten o'clock at night a brigade, or large
body of Kilpatrick's cavalry passed in, and reported that thty
had left a large quantity of forage, corn and beef at Midway
Church. TJie roads being occupied by troops passing in it'was
HISTORY OF THE
impossible for us to move past them, and we remained in camp.
Blue Buck of company E, driver of our only team, being very
anxious for some feed for his mules, and our acting sergeant
major desiring to reconnoiter, started about ten o'clock to go to
the place, hoping to secure some feed for the animals and beef
for their mess. They passed along the narrow road with diffi-
culty on account of meeting so many of the cavalry, then the
rear guard as they supposed, passed them. Increasing their
speed they suddenly ran upon what proved to be the advance of
another brigade. The Colonel in command enquired where they
were going, and told them to march' in rear of his body guard,
and return with them. Accustomed to obey orders they did so.
and remained long enough to learn that the brigade had been
out on a foraging trip, and had brought in a quantity of forage,
halting at Midway Church for the night, but no sooner had gon"
into camp until they had received orders to move towards Sa-
vannah, being compelled to abandon a large amount of forage
for want of transportation. It was further learned that theie
was a small force of johnnies out in front that should be watch-
ed. By this time the command had reached a dark place in the
timber and Blue Buck and his companion quietly withdrew to
one side of the road and dismounting as if to adjust their horse
equiments, awaited the passing of the rear guard, and then pro-
ceeded to the church, where they filled a sack each of corn and
having placed them on their mules, were preparing to take
up some beef, when a squad of live johnnies appeared slipping
into the camp on the other side of the tires, left burning by its
former occupants. Without making any more noise than could
be helped, the two men mounted their mules and quietly rode
away, reaching camp at a little after midnight. Here the mules
and horses were fed and the rest of the corn given to the men.
Blue Buck watching his mules while eating, so as to keep the
boys from robbing them of their corn.
Friday, 16th, Pleasant. Started at 4 :80 a.m., march-
ing five miles we turned to the right, and six miles farther came
to a plantation where was quit*' a lot of fodder, .sweet potatoes
and pea nuts. Some of the 7th Illinois, who had preceeded us,
FIFTIETH ILMN0I3 INFANTRY.
were guarding it. Ten wagons and fifty men of the 7th, moun-
ted were sent to Hainesville, six miles away, for corn. Just as
they had loaded the wagons they were attacked by a regiment
of rebel cavalry. The train, however, was brought in safe, and
we started on return to our camp of the night before, reaching
it at 8 p. m.
Thursday, 17th. Clear and cool. We started early this
morning, at 5 o'clock, to hold the road ; marched steadily until
daylight, when the teams began to stall in the mud. Four
miles out from the river, the 17th corps, or part of them passed
us going out. We arrived at the river at two p. m., where we
saw several steamers coming slowly up the stream with rations.
We got into camp at 4 p. m., where we found the brigade pre-
paring to build quarters out of pine logs.
Sunday, 18th. We move our camp again a short dis-
tance to the left, and began to build. Captain Horn of compa-
ny B, commanding the regiment, was mustered out of service
by reason of expiration of term, and Captain J. W. Rickart
of company D, assumes command.
Monday, 19th, Pleasant and warm. Considerable artil-
lery firing and musketry in our front; skirmishers, in advanc-
ing, exercise great caution as well as ingenuity. Each one has
a wooden paddle or half of a canteen, with which to cover him-
self in the sand, when on the skirmish line. The line was gen-
erally advanced after dark. The skirmisher having obtained
an empty cracker box or grain sack, is ready for the undertak-
ing: having surveyed the ground in advance and decided how
far in advance of the old line he should proceed; and passing
out between the skirmishers on the old line he places his box in
fmnt and gently pushes it forward to the point selected, then
begins his excavating, tilling his box or sack with the earth
throw nout, he quickly settles himself in the excavation — that is
his habitation until relieved, possibly in twenty-four hours and
possibly the last on earth — which soon becomes a very conven-
ient protection ; during this time the enemy are firing in the
direction from which they hear any noise. At this time the
f'A'M lines are so near each other that about midday, by some
334
history of Tin-
pre-arranged signal, hostilies cease and the pickets, some of
them, meet between the lines, where a barter is at once started
for tobacco, generally, for coffee or northern papers; at the
sound of the bugle the truce is broken and all scamper for their
holes, the last one in generally being hastened by the singing of
a rebel bullet. This state of affairs however, lasted but a few
days, the practice being discontinued. The artillery firing was
kept up daily, the range of the enemy being remarkably good;
their ammunition, however, was somewhat defective.
On Tuesday, Dec. 20th, the weather was warm and pleas-
ant. Heavy firing was kept up along our front, and the prog-
ress of our skirmish line, though slight, was encouraging. The
lake in our front was kept full by means of flood gates, which
had now come into our possession ; this, at low tide, would give
us the desired opportunity of advancing at the proper time.
The shelling we received daily had become so familiar that it
caused but little anxiety. On one occasion a piece of bursting
shell passed through General Corse's headquarters tent without
injuring any one. So regular had the heavy part of the
artillery fire become, that about £ o'clock p. m. every day it
was expected. One day an incident occurred which raised great
laughter in the camp. In rear of our camp was parked the
division ammunition train, in rear of this was headquarters,
noted for its hospitality and, as well for the fin*1 brands of
its liquors. It was customary for a young officer adicted to
drinking "sometimes too much," to call at these headquarters.
On this day it happened he was invited to call at 8 p. m. A few
moments before the time, attended by an orderly, he rode up.
Handing the reins to the orderly" he dismounted and was soon
engaged in conversation with others. At •*> o'clock the ball
opened as usual. With a screaming sound a twelve-pound shell
came richochet ting along the ground, alighting on the Adjutant
General's desk, who promptly took it up and threw it out. The
young officer, badlv frightened,, called for his horse and was soon
speeding away, amid the cheers of those who witnessed his
lively retreat.
Wednesday, 21st. Rainy again. A detail with one wag-
<
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
385
on was sent to the rice flail! for straw, and while there found
quite a Jot of sweet potatoes buried near by. Bill. Colwell of
}). also found a porker that had escaped conscription, and soon
the pork and yams were frying, when suddenly a piece of shell
struck his pan, upsetting its contents into the fire. To say that
Bill was mad hardly expresses it. The other wagon with a de-
tail was sent six miles to the supply train for rations. On the
way it hack was learned the enemy had evacuated the works in
cur front. This accounted to us for the heavy explosions we
had heard during the night and early in the morning, which led
us to believe that the enemy were then evacuating. The fact
that the works were empty was discovered by our pickets at
daylight and immediately troops were moved forward to occu-
py them, and a few hours later the division was moved into the
city, General Sherman having received its surrender from the
municipal authorities. The Fiftieth marched to the south edge
of town, camping near the river. The capture included 8,000
prisoners, some of them pickets left to cover the retreat; 150
large cannon, IB locomotives in good order, 190 cars, 4 steam-
boats, a large amount of ammunition, and 83,000 bales of cot-
ton. Besides this General Hardee destroyed several transports,
blew up two gunboats, likewise destroyed two torpedo boats to
prevent them from falling into our hands. Thus ended the
March to the Sea.
On the 2:2nd the weather became colder, and the boys be-
gan to build shelters from the boards and debris found lying
around. Having but just succeeded in providing good shelter
from the cold east wind off the ocean, we are ordered to be
ready to move at 8 p. m., and fall in and march one and a half
miles southeast down the river, to the outer line of works that
surround the city, camping under the shelter of one of the forts
Xo. "24. These forts were huge embankments with a bomb-proof
or magazine in each, for storing the ammunition. They con-
stituted a chain of forts entirely surrounding the. city, and con-
nected with each other by a line of works for infantry, the tim-
ber for a mile in front having been cut down and cleared away
to leave an unobstructed view. The work of building these, we
336
HISTORY OF THE
were informed, was don*' by large details of slaves from every
county in the state, who were obliged to work in gangsofor about
six- weeks then being relieved by others.
On this day General Sherman wrote to President Lincoln
as follows :
"I beg to present you, as a Christmas gift, the city of
Savannah, with 150 heavy guns and plenty of ammunition, and
also about 25,000 bales of cotton."
Lincoln replied thanking him for the gift. Iialleck and
Grant also wrote letters of congratulation to the victorious
General.
"I never,1' wrote Grant, "had a doubt of the result. When
apprehensions for your safety were expressed by the President,
I assured him that with such an army as you had, and with you
in command of it, there was no danger but that you would
reach salt water in some place. But I should not have felt the
same security — in fact I would not have entrusted the expedi-
tion to any other living commander."
m . ■■mm
CHAPTER XIX
Sight Seeing' in Savannah — The Sanitary Commission — Capture of a Blockade
Runner — Comparing Life with the Sailor — Return of Colonel Hanna —
Invasion of South Carolina— Crossing Sal kahatchie Swamp— Foragers —
The Burning of Columbia
FRIDAY, December 23rd. Very cold and clear. Received
orders for a general review to-morrow, by General Sher-
man. We expect to remain in camp here a month. Cap-
t« id T. D. McGillicuddy witli company K, who have been on
detached service with the division train since leaving Rome,
is relieved and return to the regiment, and the Captain assumes
command. We received a large mail to-day, the first since leav-
ing Atlanta. The letters are of an early date, but are news to
ns. The blockade having been removed some ships pass up the
Savannah river to the city for the first time since Ave have been
in possession. They are to many of the western boys, a Hew
object, and regarded with interest. The boys also take great
interest viewing the surroundings, strolling everywhere. This
being a seaport and an old city, has many sights new and
strange to us. It is. without doubt, a beautiful city, with its
wide streets lined with magnolia trees; Count Pulaski's monu-
ment, erected by a grateful people in memory of that noble Pole.
who gave his life to the cause of Liberty and Independence, in
the revolutionary war; and also some of the old defences of
that time were among the objects of particular interest to us.
We could not help thinking how foolish it was that a. people
ms
HISTORY OF THE
with such beautiful surroundings should desire a change, in
government, and seek to destroy what has cost so much to
build tip. Among the sights we came to a sacred spot of
ground. About an acre, enclosed by a high and strong palisade.
constructed under the direction of Col. C. F. Wiles, 78th Ohio
■Veteran Volunteer infantry, commanding 2nd brigade, 3rd di-
vision, 17th army corps. Why is this spot of ground so care-
fully enclosed? It contains the bodies of over three hundred
of our comrades, buried by the rebels, in trenches, like dogs.
Un-coffined, un-wept and unknown, they have laid down their
lives upon their country's altar; not on the field of battle, not
on the skirmish line, not in fefae field hospital amid their com-
rades where they could have their last wants attended to, but
in the vile prison pens of this city, they gave up their lives
that this Union might be preserved, and that we who survive,
and all who may come after us. may eniov one country and one
flag, America and the Stripes and Stars forever.
But amid all these transposing scenes, the cold fact
stands up before us, that our rations are short. For the last
week we have lived principally upon rice, which is obtained
from a mill near by. It is still in the straw, and is hulled out
by the soldiers. The plantations are supplied with mortars
made of a log hollowed out at one end, into which the rice is
placed and beaten with a pestle, to clean it from hull or chaff.
In addition to this we can get oysters from the river when the
tide is low, that serves to help out our meals. The ships that
came up to King's bridge on the 17th brought rations, but not
enough to last an army of 70,000 men very. many days.
Saturday, Dec. 24th. Cold and clear ; the regiment ready
for review at 8 o'clock a. m., marched up to tin4 city. Our line
is formed on South Broad street. General Sherman and statV
pass down our front, inspecting us, and then we pass in review,
and march back to camp.
In the homes of the north, the sweet and gentle influence
of the Lowly Xazarine are felt and His life example in behalf
of the suffering and Btricken in sorrow, are as closely imitated
as possible by the earthly born. As lie taught loyalty and love
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
839
? .r country, and obedience to law, so His followers, guided by
the influence of His Holy Spirit, in the early moments of this
rfrvfulful war, brought into being that grand organization for
rh*1 relief of pain and suffering, known as the Christian Sani-
tary Commission. The story of what it has already accom-
plished can never be told. In hospital, on battle-field, in pris-
on, and on the highways and by-ways of life, its messengers are
found in loving ministration to body and soul. The world will
never know how great the good accomplished by this wonderful
a-j'mt of loyalty and love. In the great Book of Life only can
\\\t* record be kept. Not alone does it devote its ministering
vvt,rk and labor to the airlicted, but to fclie hearty and strong de-
Anders of the Union it brings a welcome relief to whom many
articles are furnished, such as stationery, pens, needles and
thread, pins, little articles of apparel for comfort, and as re-
minders from home. All these accompanied with words of ad-
vice, manifesting the deep felt love and interest which perme-
ates the hearts of the beloved at home,
A soldier writing from Savannah on the 22nd of Decern-
foer, 18(54, sends this little memorandum:
aKeeping up with the army at all points, may be found
the agents of the Sanitary Commission, who minister to the
needs of the soldier wherever found; showing no differences in
their ministrations to soldiers from other states. Among the
articles furnished is writing paper, and all the aid necessary to
assist the soldier in communicating with friends at home."
On a sheet of note paper written home January 22nd
1SC6, is the following beautiful memento of the times:
'"This sheet of paper and envelope is furnished by the
Indiana Sanitary Commission, being purchased with funds con-
tributed by the Soldier's Friends at home.
Fly, little missive, to my cherished home,
And cheer the loving hearts to me so dear;
Til follow when in honor I can come
And leave "Our Flag" in tkiumpb floating here!
THE SOLDIER."
The above is on the upper left hand corner, and as tie1
840 HISTORY OF THE
boys had had no opportunity of obtaining stationery, this was
very gratefully received.
Sunday, Christmas day. Clear and cool. We have dress
parade at 4 p. m., the first time since leaving Rome. Captain
McG-illicuddy is in command and our acting sergeant major as
acting adjutant; Adjutant W. S. Woods being unwell.
On the 27th we again have dress parade, which is to be
observed daily at 4 p; m.
On the 28th Capt. H. L. Burnham of company C, on de-
tached duty as provost marshal! of 4th division. 15th army
corps, requested to be relieved, and on the 20th is in camp" re-
adjusting it to his notion; he will succeed Capt. McGiliieuddy.
who has sent in his resignation, owing to expiration of term of
service. This morning before day, a blockade runner passed
into the mouth of the Savannah river, not knowing that the
city was captured, and became a prize of the tleet. She was a
long, low, three masted schooner, painted a dull grey color, her
long, slender masts and otherwise trim appearance, indicated
speed. Cannon upon her deck gave her a warlike appearance,
and as she passed up the river in custody of Uncle Sam's navy,
reminded us of a culprit arrested for some crime.
Friday, 80th. A detail went after lumber to fort Thun-
derbolt, four miles down the river. This old fort was built by
the government ; the barracks have been destroyed by our troops
to get material for shelter. Captain Burnham has charge of
the dress parade, after which we received a mail, and the next
day. which was cold and windy, we fixed up the camp. *
1805. January 1st. First day of the week, month and
year, is cold. Have a detail of camp guard, one sergeant, two
corporals and fifteen men, to keep the men together. Captain
Burnham takes command and Captain McGillicuddy is mus-
tered out.
January 2nd. Still cold. The east wind from the ocean
is very severe. Several steamers passed up to the city.
January 3rd, Warmer. Have regimental guard mount-
ing, also battallion drill. Companies F and G, who have been
on duty as division train guards^ are relieved and return' tu th •
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS IXFAXTUY. Bit
r»*giment. The 17th A. C. move out to Pccataligo, and several
-valuers and schooners pass up the river. It had been often
talked among the boys, of the pleasant life the sailors had —
mpared with that of marching in wet and cold, and dust and
^wid. T6-day as we see the vessels gliding slowly by, some of
ihem covered with ice, so much of it upon the rigging and spars
m to cause them to list — or lean to one side, — and the sailors
climbing up among the mass, working hard to free the ice — we
tire constrained to rest content with our lot, and bear our share
\\\ this great drama of American history without complaint.
January 4th. Cleaning up camp and battallion drill is
the order, followed by same routine on the 5ih, when a heavy
detail for guard and fatigue duty for to-morrow, with guard
mounting at division headcpiarters is ordered. On account of
so much extra duty to attend, the guard mounting at camp on
(he 8th, was dispensed with and for the first time in the history
of the "Blind Half Hundred" do we have to record that they are
slow in responding to the word of command. In what way? why
the fatigue party are stragling badly — forty-five of the boys
shirking duty — they feel that they have been crowded with drill.
drill, work, work, work, review, inspection, policing camp and
many things that seemed unnecessary to have been [done when
they should have been allowed to rest. So the cry started ''sol-
dier will you work?1' and the response came quickly, "no. I'll sell
my shirt first." This inclination to shirk duty is of short dura-
tion, be it said to the credit of the boys. And now a report is
sprung in camp "Hanna has come," — wiOld Billy is here" —
"hurra, hurra" — and how eagerly the boys gathered in knots anx-
iously waiting his coming to the camp. But they were doomed
to disappointment, only modified by the fact that instead of
Col. Hanna, it was Gen. John A. Logan, who had disembarked
from the steamer and was mistaken for the Colonel. Orders <
received for review again to-morrow.
Saturday, 7th. Cold and disagreeable. The regiment
in line by 9 o'clock, and at 9:80, marching left in front, we
move to the city and take our position on Liberty street, right
resting east. After forming several different lines the final or-
342 HISTORY OF THE
!
■
del" is received "prepare for review,1' we open ranks and stand
waiting. Between 1 and 2 o'clock p. m. Generals Sherman,
Howard, Logan and Corse, our commanders, ride by, after
which we marched in review, passing the Custom House, where,
on the balcony, stood the reviewing officers. Every man tried
to do his best, and succeeded. We then marched to our camp,
tired and hungry, without a word of discontent, and received
another mail.
Note, — The comrades in reading this record of our expe-
rience at Savannah, will not think it complete unless we remind
them of our sleeping quarters. They were built on level groifnd
out of boards, or anvthin^ to break the wind, which blew verv
cold, and weiv .made very comfortable ; five or six of the boys
would have their shelter tents buttoned together, also their over-
coats, using them as blankets, then packing down spoon fashion
would lie, resting as best they could, in their little houses, when
some tired one would call out "spoon over here, spoon over,"
and over the boys would turn to the other side. "Spoon over"'
was a sentence heard at all times in the night. Our meal pan-
cakes were seasoned with sand, blown into the cooking vessels
by the strong wind. A good thing for us to eat baring the grit-
ting between the teeth, but good as an aid to digestion. We
would eat nothing on windy days unless seasoned with sand.
Sunday, 8th. Passed as usual, and on .Monday, Jan. 9th.
it was rainy. General Logan rode through our camp on a tour
of inspection, and found it in good condition. A detail, besides
guards, of one hundred and eighty men for fatigue to-morrow is
ordered, and another day passes by,
Tuesday, Jan. 10th. Rain, rain, rain all day. The regi-
ment on duty building fortifications. The health of the men
is remarkable for the hardships they have passed through dur-
ing the past eight or ten weeks.
Jan. 11 tli. Came in pleasant. Lt. Col. Hanna, Lieut.
Starrett of company C, and Major A. L. Williams, our new sur-
geon, who takes the place? of Surgeon H. \V. Kendall, mustered
out Oct. 26th, 1SG4, arrived to-day from home, being twenty-
three days on the road. They were warmly welcomed.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 848
Jan. 12th. Pleasant. To-day Secretary of War, Edwin
M, Sranton, is in the city. Guard mounting at division head-
. \,trV'Tr. Kilpatrick's cavalry passed in review before the Sec-
r- tnvy of War.
Jan. 18th, Friday. Pleasant. Our camp inspection by
let!. Logan, of Monday, 9th, is heard from and it is pronounced
In U? in the best condition of any in the division. Another
tcote t<> the credit of the Blind Half Hundred.
Jan. 14th, Saturday. Pleasant. Colonel Hanna assumes
command and General Corse visits our camp. Battallion drill
»t I p. m., and also orders for the regiment to report to-morrow
:.tr T a. in., £or fatigue duty. Two conscripts arrived to-day for
«»ur regiment, direct from Nashville, the advance of our allot-
ment that were unable to reach us before leaving Rome.
Jan. 15th, Sunday. Pleasant and cool. The order for
th+> regiineat for fatigue to-day, not being explicit, we fell in
irmed and equipped, at 0:80 a. m. and marched down to the Gulf
II. R. depot, reporting for duty with the whole command. It
was then learned that some one in making the detail had blun-
•' r»-<] and the wagons and ambulances were returned to camp;
the men being relieved at noon, followed them.
Monday, 16th. Pleasant. No grand guard detailed to-
day, but instead we have inspection in quarters, which takes
place at 2 p. m., followed by dress parade at 4.
Jan. 17th passes as usual ; drilling and dress parade; de-
tails go lor rice and on fatigue dutv, and on the 1 S t li about the
same; Coming tin on" of drill an orderly rode up and delivered
to [lie Colonel, marching orders, to be ready to move at 8 a. m.
te-morrow. With the order he delivered a veteran furlough for
•>erge&iit Geo, R. Logan of company I, which should have been
received by him before we left Rome, he being one of the detail
-•nt home on recruiting service in December, 1S08, and entitled
to it by reason of veteran re-enlistment. Looking up the Colo-
n--l saw George passing by and called out, ''you long haired cuss
uf company I. come here. You can go home. The rest of these
poor devils have got t<> pack up for a tramp." Without hesita-
tmg an instant tlie furlough was handed back with the remark,
844 HISTORY OF THE
"Colonel, please keep that until we arrive at our destination/'
The Colonel was caught, expecting it to be received with joy,
but was pleased at the prompt response, and remarked, "you
are one h — i of a fellow, but if I live you shall have it when we
get through."
The 19th was rainy and muddy. At 9 o'clock we started
out from camp, the Fiftieth as rear guard to the brigade and
division. As we leave the camp and our comfortable quarters,
in the drizzling rain, some one of company H sets fire to his
shelter, and soon the quarters of companies F, G and H are
consumed. This matters but little to the departing soldiers,
who watch it burn as they march away. Half way to the city
we are halted, where we remain until 8 o'clock p. m., when or-
ders are received for us to march back to camp. Wondering
greatly at the cause of this sudden change in the programme,
we return, hungrv and wet. The svmpathies of the fortunate
ones was extended to companies F and G, but not expressed for
company H, upon whom it was regarded as a huge joke; com-
pany F taking out their satisfaction in tali cussing. Ed. Reily
of company C, now headquarters orderly, taking sick, was sent
to division hospital. We were wondering the cause of our return
and learned that the Union causeway, which reaches from Savan-
nah north across the rice fields had been repaired and cordu-
royed (covered with logs and rails) by General Slocum, with
the expectation of out division crossing to it on a pontoon that
had been put down for that purpose, and rendezvousing at or near
Robertvilie, in South Carolina, but the heavy rain had caused
an unusual lv big freshet to come down the river, covering the
causeway about four feet deep with water and breaking up the
pontoons, drowning a part of the mules of the train of the 3rd
division that were on the road at the time. This caused a
change in the programme, and a crossing was sought further up
at Sister's Ferrv.
On the 20th, again rainy and cold, the 1st brigade moved
out to repair the road, and we remained in camp.
On the :23rd it became clear and cold, with a heavy north
west wind. \W have battallion drill in the afternoon, and the
";
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 845
Bame on tlie 24th, when we receive marching orders for the 25th
but do not move until the morning of the 26th, when at 9
o'clock we start. We reach the city and are again ordered back
t<> camp, the roads not being in good condition.
On the 27th, with clear weather, we started at 7:80 a.m.,
marching eight and a half miles along the Augusta railroad, re-
pairing the roads by corduroy, and going into camp at dark.
The 28th we moved at the same hour, and doing the same
work, going into camp near Eden, having marched eight miles.
On the 29th we started at 8 a. m., the brigade second in
the division. The roads are bad, and after making fourteen
miles we went into camp near Springfield, Georgia.
Monday, 30th. We find the weather very cool. Start at
G a. m., and at 8:30 halt in the village of Springfield. It has
been destroyed by fire. At 11 :80, the division having preceded
wo follow as rear guard, with company F as rear guard to the
regiment, and go into camp two miles from Sister's Ferry, the
crossing selected for the 20th and loth corps. We received or-
ders to clear tip camp and expect to stay here a short time; the
10th and 78th Illinois, of the 14th A. C, are encamped about
three miles away.
Tuesday, Jan. 81st. Warm and pleasant. Camp is put
in good order and regular details ordered for guard and fatigue
duty.
Feb. 1st, Wednesday, found us putting our camp in good
order. The 20th A. C, on the opposite side of the river repair-
ing the roads. A gunboat stationed in the river to assist or cover
the crossing. The enemy have planted many torpedos along
the road, making it exceedingly dangerous to move troops; four
burst to-day in taking them un, killing four men of the 20th
A. C. Dress parade again at 4 p.m., this sort of business nettles
the boys, who begin to think that the Fiftieth. is imposed upon
by so much parading, but the efficient way in which the regi-
ment is moved somewhat compensates them for the extra labor.
Feb. 2nd. Clear and warm. Brigade review and drill at
10 o'clock by General Corse. Dress parade at 4 p. m., and then
more rain.
(22)
340 HISTORY OF TUE
Feb. 3rd. Rain, rain, rain, more rain. A foraging party
out, also a detail for fatigue across the river. Eight torpedos
are taken up.
Saturday, Feb. 4th. Received orders to move at 10 o'clock
and at i o'clock we are ready. At 4 p. m. the 20th A. C. move
out and we follow soon after, our brigade in rear of the divi-
sion. We crossed the river on the pontoons after dark, and
over about a mile and a half of very rough corduroy road, and
bivouacked on a sand ridge one-half mile from the river. Such a
night march as this will ever be remembered; stumbling along
in the dense darkness, touching one another to keep our places
in the road, through the timber, on a narrow cans" way where,
if one stepped- off at the side he would sink to his waist in mud
and water; but we got through at last and 9 o'clock found us
in camp, having fairly started at last to invade South Carolina.
Feb. 5th, Sunday. Warm and pleasant. Lay in camp
until 5 o'clock p. m., when we pulled out; the brigade in the
center of the division. After dark we marched over a corduroy
three miles long, going into camp at 9 o'clock p. m., in a field
whclly destitute of rails and no wood to burn, and were glad to
receive orders to move at 6 a. m. to-morrow.
Feb. 6th, Monday. Cloudy. Start at 6 :80 a. m. Passed
through Robertvillo, eight miles from the river. Every house
in the village, excepting a church, has been destroyed by fire, by
troops in advance. To-day we have built a bridge, a great deal
of corduroy and removed many trees felled by the enemy across
the road, to obstruct our progress. Camp at 5 p. m., having
marched eight miles. Our division is moving by itself across
the country to form a junction with the corps from Pocataligo.
Feb. 7th, Tuesday. Rain again. Starting at 9 a. m., we
march slowly ; wagons getting stuck in the mud crossing the
swampy ground. This is the Black Water, about three miles
wide. This swamp was crossed by an advance Union brigade a
few days ago and the enemy driven out. We go into camp at
Hickory Hill, a small elevation, the first rise of ground we have
found eince leaving the river, having marched km miles.
Wednesday, 8th. We start this morning at 0:30, and
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
S47
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348 HISTORY OF THE
proceed slowly, building a great deal of corduroy. At 4 p. m.
we cross a large swamp called Whipple; huge cypress knees
protrude from the dark, gloomy waters, and the place is sug-
gestive of evil spirits. At 7 p. m. we are in camp two miles
from the Little Salkahatchie swamp, and are ordered to be
ready to move at 7 a. m. to-morrow; Capt. Burnham of compa-
ny (J, is detailed as aide de camp to Genera] Corse, and Lieut.
Starrett assumes command of the company.
Thursday, 9th. Companies F and G are detailed as train
guards. Clear and cool. We start at 7 a. m., 3rd brigade in
advance, Fiftieth in rear of the brigade. March two miles to
the Great Salkahatchie swamp, where we rested for the train to
close up and prepare for the crossing. This was done by rais-
ing the ammunition and other perishable articles in the wagons
as high up as possible, and, with great difficulty, it passed
through. The men, with their ammunition held above them.
plunged into the cold water. Haviug crossed the swamp we
march three miles and camp. Very cold and muddv.
Friday, 10th, was clear and cold. Started at 0 and with
rapid marching made twenty-two miles, our brigade in the rear.
Having gone into camp we were ordered to be ready to move at
0:30 a. m. to-morrow. At the beginning of this campaign the
foraging parties had become a fixed organization, and consisted
of a detail of twenty men from each regiment in the brigade,
under command of Captain Henry Ahern of the 7th Illinois,
assisted by a Lieutenant of the 89th Iowa, and Sergeant Geo.
R. Logan of company I, of the Fiftieth, in charge of regimental
detail. This squad was mounted upon horses or mules picked
up along the route, and were a brave band of boys, doing active
duty as scouts, Hankers, foragers and, in general, watching for
the safety of the command as well as providing for the inner
man. Their duties were arduous, but cheerfully performed.
Early in the morning, before the command was in motion, these
gallant fellows would be on the move. Striking out on the
flanks, with ever watchful eyes and a general forward move-
ment, they would descend suddenly upon some out-of-the-way
place, ami probably capture some skulking cavalryman crpick-
!
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS LNFANTBY. 349
»'t, or perhaps find a well filled larder, which would at once be
tided into the owner's wagon, or taken on their animals, and
conveyed to the roadside where the regiment to which it was
assigned would find it with a guard as they came up. It was
considered in these days, a great favor to be detailed as a for-
ager.
February 11th, Saturday. Company F is detailed as
brigade train guard. The acting sergeant major was allowed to
no with the foragers. The loth and 17th corps are moving on
the same road. The loth corps in advance, reaching the South
Kdisto river, find that the bridge has been destroyed ; a pontoon
h* laid and tht: foraging parly, having taken the advance, cross
the river and load up -with a good supply of bacon, hams, pota-
toes, corn and fodder, which, is taken to the roadside near
the pontoon, to await the arrival of the brigade to which it
belongs. Here they learn that the 4th division had turned to
the right some miles back, and were crossing at Biniker's
bridge, six miles below, with a part of the 17th corps, and
that the command moving on this road all having crossed,
the bridge was being taken up. At the request of the Cap-
tain the few boards taken up were replaced and the foragers re-
crossed with their forage, and set out to re-join their division,
leavings however, the acting sergeant major and five others, who
had been delayed in obtaining a lot of hams, and did not arrive
until the bridge was nearly up. So bidding adieu to the pon-
toniers it was decided to go across the country and intercept the
line of march below. Arranging themselves in military order,
with one man in advance and one in the rear, they started, and
about three miles out their advance was fired upon by a johnny
who, with several others, ran into the swamp. The reserve hur-
ried to the front and the squad passed safely without further
trouble, and soon reached the road to the bridge along which
we beheld the pontoon train moving. Upon inquiry we learned
that the forage party had not crossed on their pontoon, and
fears began to be expressed that they had been taken in by
Wheeler's cavalry, who were following in our rear. It appeared
later that in going down on the other side, they had to make,
350 4 HISTORY OF THE
quite a detour, and when they arrived at the river they found
our troops had crossed and the pontoon was gone; the river is
deep and very swift, and difficult to cross on such animals a*
they had, especially the mules, so they secured some log troughs
at a farm house near by. and in these conveyed their portable
articles, tieing their animals together in bunches of five,
with one fastened to a long rope, succeeded in swimming them
across, one of the boys losing his outfit as the only mishap.
The party came into camp after dark. The regiment with the
division, followed the fortunes of the 17th corps, and having
crossed the South Edisto, moved on rapidly towards Orange-
burgh.
February 12th. Clear and cool. Started at 0 o'clock,
the Fiftieth in advance of the brigade and division, Gen. Logan
"at our head: Moving rapidly twelve miles, we go into camp
one and a half miles from the North Edisto river, near Popular
Spring. In our front the enemy had posted himself with a
battery, behind a rampart of cotton bales and earth, with the
purpose, evidently, of disputing our right of way, but was
driven off without much trouble. The 1st division advancing
to the left engaged the enemy, and by '2 p. m., we had secured
the crossing, where a pontoon was at once laid and the troops
began to inove out, going into camp five miles from Orange-
burgh, having captured three rebels, who claimed to have been
conscripted. While at this crossing Gen. John A. Logan was
observed riding his blade horse along the skirmish line select-
ing a position in which to place the pontoon. We were afraid
that a Minnie would catch him, but he escaped unhurt.
Monday, Feb. 18th. Pleasant. Received orders to get
ready to move as soon as possible, and at 7 we started, as rear
guard, our regiment was last over the bridge. Our way lay
through a pine forest that was on fire, and the smoke was very
dense. After marching sixteen miles we went into camp at. 4
p. m., in battle order. Water is very scarce. Gen. Sherman
is with our corps to-day, and as he passes the boys cheer him
heartily.
Tuesday. 14tli. Pleasant. Formed at 7: 80 and marched
i
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 851
nine miles. The 1st and 2nd division met the enemy and drove
them three miles, and into their works on the north side of
< -ongaree creek, near Columbia. As they retired they partially
destroyed the bridge over this creek. At 3 p. m. our corps had
captured the works on the creek, and the bridge, which was at
once repaired, and by 5 o'clock p. m. we were over and in camp
inside the works, in a field covered with mud and ooze left from
a recent freshet, and without wood to burn. 'Twas a dreary
night passed in the mud. two miles from the city of Columbia.
Oft* to the left was to be seen the stockade, wherein many a poor
fellow had laid down his life for his country's flag. We have a
cook at headquarters, a colored mmi, captured from his master
yesterday j who has on his person an old silver watch said to
have been given him by some Yankees who had escaped from
this stockade a few months before. He relates that he helped
to pilot a great many from his house down the river to as great
a distance as lie could safely go, and get back before day
without being discovered; one of these gave him this watch.
Mis story strongly appears to be true. Off to the right was
seen the city of Columbia with the rebel camp fires burning
brightly; between us and them runs the Congaree river, the city
being on the north bank. Crossing the river is a bridge pro-
tected by a strong and well constructed fori:. So difficult was
it to move troops in this locality that it was not until the
morning of the 15th that we were enabled to appear in force
ip front of the city, and by this time the fine bridge was
burned.
On the 10th, clear and pleasant. Company F is detailed
as guard to the brigade train. We receive orders to move for-
ward at 8 o'clock. It was a grand awe inspiring sight to see our
troops moving in lines of battle, and large bodies in close column
moving in supporting distance across the plain. Citizens were
seen moving hurriedly about the streets of the city, and bodies of
rebel cavalry was transferred rapidly from place. to place. We
found the enemy had retreated across the river during the night,
and our line of battle moved on, bearing oil* to the left, up the
valley. An effort was made to place a pontoon in position on
352 HISTORY OF THE
the river, to cross into the city, and as the train passed down our
front a well directed fire from the enemy's batteries caused
them to swerve and hurry out of range, not, however, until one
shell exproded, killing four mules attached to one of the pontoon
wagons. During tnisfeint on the front of Columbia the troops
on the left had been busy, and a pontoon had been placed over
the Saluda three miles above the city, over which we crossed at
dark and went into camp one mile out. We were now between
two rivers, and skirmish firing was continuous, with frequent
forward movement of the command,
February 17th. Clear again. The firing was brisk both
in front and rear; in froiu by the defenders of the city, and in
our rear by the rebel cavalry,
who were trying to divert our
^^■^i^O^^ attention. We lay in camp
u^^^3^f'Cwp^,\ ■ f "J until noon, ready for busi-
ness. The enemy had estab-
d
left
1
m
^T^/I'l^!""2^ the division train, two davs
&, ,^i •'//'% M;';i '""V~z^^ rations, with instructions to
/ 0!/>Wl "'?'-tjS-.- W&k make it last four days. Dur-
^-.--^VV- - -\) &&&£%&%». mg this time our pontoons
^^--^■^^/0^;^^<^^^;r' were laid over Broad river; it.
^^^^P^^'' Z**f and the Saluda forming the
Congaree, just above the city.
The pontoons are laid under
fire of rebel sharp shooters, and very soon the command was
in motion. Having crossed the bridge, the enemy fell back
rapidly, and moving on, our advance, under Colonel Stone
25th Iowa, commanding 8rd brigade. 1st division, 15th A. C,
met the Mayor and city officials, who had come out for the pur-
pose of surrendering the city. The troops marched on into the
city, our brigade in advance, and passing along the main streets
found that an immense quantity of cotton, which had been
piled along the streets, had been fired and the citizens were en-
L A VI X O POX TO 0 N S
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
353
deavoring to extinguish the flames with the hose attached to
their fire engines, but the troops moving on rendered this a
fruitless task, and the high wind wafted the flakes of burning
cotton to the buildings, which soon became a mass of flames.
We were marched through the city, out upon the Camden road
two and a half miles, where we camped. As the advance enter-
ed and marched through the city, a stray shot would be fired at
them by some of the rebel cavalry, who would then dash away.
The conflagration at night was a magnificent sight. Be-
fore leaving the citv manv of the rebel cavalry began to plun-
der the people. Drunken soldiers also became unmanageable,
and, despite the efforts of Gen. Wood's division, the greats:
part of the city was destroyed. Upon entering the city. Gen.
Sherman gave orders to spare all dwellings, colleges, asylums
and private property, while the arsenal, railroad depot, machine
shops and other property that could be made use of by the
enemy were to be destroyed. These instructions were obeyed
on the 18th and 19th ; the destruction of the private property
being caused by the fires started by the retreating enemy on
the 17th.
,^>
W»H?ftHoc?»5Se
CHAPTER
•'Whav's 3fassa thermal//" — Guying the Sergeant Major — Burning Turpentine
Still — Lynch "Creek — "Death to ail Foragers!" — Successful Foraging—
Cheraw — The Great Explosion — Arrival at Fayette viile, N. C — Off for
Goldshorough — Wading the niver— Preparing for Battle — BentonviJle
— Goldshorough — "Richmond has Fallen"' — The Recruit's Experience.
>
EBRUARY iStli is a beautiful day. We started at 5 :30 a.
m., down the railroad toward Branchville, tearing up and
burning the railroad ties as we went, for eleven miles, then
retraced our steps four miles to Robertson's station, where we
went into camp ready for the move to-morrow, having marched
fifteen miles. The troops are in line spirits, all realizing that
the head of secessia is crushed, and that we are on our home-
ward march. Many amusing incidents may be related by the
boys that happened at this time, and the following will show
how the fame of "Uncle Billy" Sherman had preceeded him:
Henry Cooper of company C, was at this time in charge
of his company's affairs as company clerk. He was a tony sort
of a fellow and delighted in tine clothes, and a tidy appearance.
Having secured a nicely ironed ^vhite shirt with a stand up
collar, in some way to us unknown, he marched bravely on at
the side of his company, greatly to the amusement of the boys
toiling along in the ranks. The negroes, as we marched
by the many fine plantations, would gather in crowds, bvV
the roadside to see the "Lincnm sodgers"gc by, and all anxious
to see "Massa Sherman." "Whar's Massa Sherman?" was ask-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 855
ih! by several. Francis N. Gabriel of company C, or Nute, as
he was called, at once said, "there he is;" pointing towards
Cooper, who was marching by himself in all pomp and splen-
dor, along the roadside, '"There is General Sherman ; he has
just had his horse shot from under him." The negroes im-
mediately crowded around Cooper, shouting, yelling, "God
bress Massa Sherman," "may the Lawd bress Massa Sherman."
At first Cooper seemed to enjoy it, but as the crowd increased
it was t<u> much honor for him, he couldn't stand it. "Get
away from here — I'm not Sherman!" he yelled, but the crowd
I continued to increase, of all ages, sex and sizes, exclaiming,
"Mav the Lawd bress the norf " "bress the Lincum sodgers "
"bress everybody," (always excepting Jeff. Davis and the con-
federacy.) Cooper, in despair, looked towards the company
who were roaring with laughter, declared, "Boys, that joke is
too thin." "Git out of here you black devils," he shouted, and
by using his fists and feet, managed to clear a passage for him-
self, but for the rest of the day he wore a far away look.
Sunday, Feb. 19th. Clear. We start down the railroad
at V o'clock a. m., destroA-ing it as we go. The citizens along
our route have nearly all disappeared, leaving their property in
charge of their trusted slaves, and at the mercy of the invaders.
The army, like an overwhelming flood, is sweeping over the
country; all roads leading toward Richmond seem to teem with
soldiers, passing rapidly north. The foragers are becoming ex-
pert in locating hidden property. To-day some of the 80th
Iowa, at Hopkins' plantation, discovered a large amount of fine
silverware buffed in a garden, estimated to be worth at least
$1,000. Often the troops will come to a field or patch of ground
recently plowed, deploying as skirmishers, on their own account,
they move forward prodding the ground with their ramrods and
possibly unearth a box in which may be found a lot of nice bacon
or hams, or some valuable property. The safest place these
people could have found for their property was in their houses,
which were rarely disturbed. Near here H. C. Nichols of com-
pany F. and our sergeant major found hidden in the brush,
H*ven tine large mules. whi< h were brought in and turned over
•
856 HISTORY OF THE
to Uncle Sam's Q. M. We are well supplied with sweet potatoes
and camp to-night two miles from Hopkins' Turn Out, having
marched eight miles.
Monday, Feb. 20th. We start at 7 a.m., passing through
a barren country or wilderness. Water is very scarce for men
and teams. The men suffer much. The day is warm and the
roads dusty from much travel ; many of the boys are burdened
with articles of plunder found, principally on abandoned plan-
tations, or that had been left by others who had carried it un-
til tired and cast it away. Articles of silverware, that have
been carried along, are thrown into the road, where the heavy
wagons crush ©lit ail semblance of anything useful, and the
tired and thirsty soldier, relieved of his burden, passes on. In
the afternoon we came to a large pond of water in a held. It
was covered with a green scum, and the ground around its edge
was a deep, black oozy mud. Through it into the pond go men
and horses indiscriminately, for the welcome water to quench
their burning thirst. Here we camp, and in a few moments
may be seen some of the men digging holes in the ground
near the edge of the pond, while a soldier with musket in hand?
sets by to guard it. Thus is constructed Avells, four, five, or
even six feet deep, with steps to reach the bottom, of which
a number are du^. Into the sides of these wells straws or
sticks are stuck, and at the bottom is placed a camp kettle
into which the filtered water drips, and thus we get our water
for breakfast, and the next days use. It takes many such wells
to provide sufficient water. Hidden in an out-house on the
abandoned plantation, Geo. W. Robb of company D, found an
escaped prisoner belonging to the 69th New York, who said he
was captured at Fredericksburg, Va., in August, 1864. Having
marched twenty-two miles we go into camp near department
headquarters.
Tuesday, Feb. 21st. Clear and pleasant. We start at 7
a. m. to-day, our brigade in center of division, which has the
advance. We take the Windsboro road. Six miles from that
place we turn to t he right and march three mile.-, making eigh-
teen miles to-day. Go into camp a long distance from wood
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 357
and water. Companies F and G are detailed as picket guards.
The 3rd division passing on they are relieved. The empty
wagons are now loaded with refugees from Columbia.
Wednesday, Feb. 22nd. Clear. This morning the revel-
lie beats as usual in all the camps except the Fiftieth. All
around us seem to be getting ready to move. We have received
no orders. Some of the observing ones, however, begin to stir
and make the usual preparations. Soon an orderly dashes up
for the command to move. The boys, many of them, are wrap-
ped in slumber. At the command, "Fall in Fiftieth,'' they are
on their feet. In a few moments the regiment is on the move,
without its coffee, and somewhat Qxam at being thus disturbed
and hurried off without breakfast. Upon investigation it is
found that some time during the night the orders for moving
at 7 o'clock a. m. were brought by an orderly, who, calling up
our sergeant major, (acting in place of the Adjutant, who is un-
well,) delivered the order. The tired and sleepy officer received
it and carefully placing it under his head, departed for the land
of Nod. In getting ready to move in the morning the order was
found, and during the day the poor fellow was unmercifully
guyed. The march this day is about six miles, over muddy
roads, and we go into camp near the Wateree river. It is a very
poor camp ground, wet and muddy.
Thursday, Feb. 23rd. Raining. We start at 7 and move
to the river, our brigade in rear of division. Many of the boys
on the march, have gathered up mules or horses wherever they
could find them, and move along with the command; this is
against orders, but as the mode of travel is of some benefit to
disabled men, not much notice is taken of it. At the river,
however, this stock is generally taken up, the best turned in to
the quartermaster, the poorest animals killed, while the soldier
is ordered to rejoin las command. We crossed the Watere river
at 1 o'clock p. m., here a great many animals were disposed of
by shooting; passed through Liberty Hill, where one of our
wagons broke down. We march on nine miles farther, and
camp in a sandy field. The rain falls all night.
Friday, 24th. Rains all day. Marched fifteen miles, our
853
HISTORY OF THE
route passes Camden one and a half miles to the north. The
3rd brigade foragers descended on the town and captured it
with 104. prisoners. This is an historic spot, General Gates
having been defeated here, and Baron DeKalb killed during the
war of the revolution, in defence of the principles for which we
are now marching and fighting.
Saturday, 25th. The roads are some better ; the timber is
heavy; the pines are scored on two sides as high as ten feet with
an oriiice cut at the bottom into which the sap callects. This
is gathered and passing through certain formulas, produces tar
and turpentine, the staples of North Carolina. We marched
through a -seel Ion of heavy tiM'ber, where rrre had been started
and was burning in the pine needles on the ground with great
vigor; as it reaches these scored trees, the flames envelope them
for many feet, burning oil' the rosin that had accumulated. To-
day the fire was "so intense as to compel us to leave our road,
and in going through the timber we came to a turpentine still.
As we neared it the fire reached it and it burst out into a mass
of flames that flashed hundreds of feet high, while the bursting
barrels of turpentine, stored near by, sent their contents down
the run, a solid mass of fire. It was a beautiful sight. We
camp to-night at the forks of the Cheraw and Darlington Court
House road, near a church.
Sunday, Feb. 20th. Clear to-day, but cold; we march
four miles and come to Lynch creek. The excessive wet weather
has filled all the creeks and rivers bank full. The cold of last
night has frozen the mud stiff, and the creek is covered with
ice about one-eighth of an inch thick. As usual the brigade
foragers, under Captain Ahern, take the lead ; following them
is a drove of cattle belonging to the 1st brigade. We will fol-
low the foragers as they cross the stream at Tiller's bridge.
Arriving at the stream it is found to be outside its banks, the
bridge over the stream being surrounded by water, covered with
ice. The road to the bridge on either side is a causeway graded
up from both sides, near the bridge being several feet higher
than in the bottom. Over this road the water had risen to a
depth of several feet. On the opposite ssd'8 the road extended
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 859
across the bottom and was made of corduroy or logs, all cover-
ed with water. Without hesitation Capt. Ahem and his fora-
gers started into the cold water, it getting deeper and deeper,
until it is up to the bellies of their horses. As the water grows
deeper, their progress is slower. Over the shoulders of the
men may be seen their cartridge boxes, it being important that
they should keep their powder dry. Soon the tramping of the
horses loosen the logs from their bed in the mud, and up they
come, leaving a hole into which plunges the animal following;
in due time they have gotten across and it is found to be three-
fourths of a mile wide. On the high ground is a large farm
house, in the yard of whieh there are a number of bee hives. A
lew of the foragers, among them two volunteers from the Fifti-
eth, stop and begin to raid the honey and capture chickens,
while the Captain and his men dash oat to the front to recon-
noiter, taking the 'road to Cheraw. The foragers were followed
by a country wagon, to gather supplies, and immedialely behind
this followed the cattle. Following the cattle was the 1st brig-
ade. Gen. Rice commanding. He with his stall, not dreaming
of an attack, are looking over the ground to find a suitable place
for his brigade to camp. His men are moving slowlv through
the water. Suddenly down the road from the direction in which
Captain Ahem had gone, dashes a squadron of rebel cavalry,
some of them dressed in blue, with their guidon at the head.
To the rear dashes the General and his stall*, followed, not fifty
.paces behind by the johnnies, tiring and yelling as they come. .
On the left of the road, sitting on their horses, are two of the
volunteer foragers, one of the Fiftieth and the headquarters or-
derly of the 7th, with a shout as the General passes to the rear,
they dash into the road behind his escort and in front of the
coming enemy, and wheeling their horses, stop and fire at close
range at the advancing foe; down goes the leader's horse at
their feet, and wheeling their horses off the enemy go as fast as
they come. The result of the melee is the killing of one rebel,
and one horse, and wounding of two of our men. At the first
l intimation of danger the remaining foragers had taken position
as skirmishers, ami were in position of defence. The cattle had.
mo
HISTORY OF THE
struck with alarm, stampeded, and dashed back the way they
had come, hut were stopped by the water, while the 1st brigade,
which by this time were well into the stream hearing the racket,
made all haste to reach the shore, to the assistance of the Gen-
eral and his staff. This squadron of rebs were known as Cobb's
legion, and were on their way to defend the crossing. Coming
down a by-road, they saw Capt. Ahern and his men pass along
their front and they concluded to let them ^o by without moles-
tation, and then dash in on the troops that were struggling in
the water. The Captain at the same time observed them turn-
ing into the road in his rear, made a wide detour, and haying
had several skirmishes during the day, got into camp the next
morning.
Let us now go back to the troops in the rear. As soon
as they discovered that they were wanted on the other side
of the stream, with their cartridge boxes fastened to their mus-
kets and held above their heads, they push forward as fast as
possible ; sixty minutes were occupied in the trip. Following
the 1st brigade came the 3rd; the ice by this time was broken
and the stream moving; much of the corduroy had been tram-
pled out of place and the road been made nearly impassable.
It was three hundred yards through the water to the bridge, and
after wading along the causeway, covered as it was, with water,
and reaching the bridge, the men would hesitate and draw a
long breath before proceeding, as they viewed that wide ex-
panse of cold water, of unknown depth, covered with a coating
of ice. But the men behind were crowding and there was no
turning back, so in they go, down into the water, deeper and
deeper, until it was up to the necks of the shortest men, fre-
quently, some of whom would slip orf the bank and go clear
under ; in this way Orlando M. Allison of A ; L, S. Foster of D :
Maurice Gleason (one of the Irish brigade of E,) and several
other short fellows, came near losing their lives by drowning,
being rescued by comrades near. The troops over the creek go
into camp and begin to entrench; building light works.
This story of the passage of the creek will not be com-
plete without some incident familiar to the boys. As the regi-
s.
/
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
361
mont came to the edge of the stream, a moments halt was made
j i prepare for the trip. "Look here, you," called the Colonel
!«» a little puny fellow, "come and hold my horse." The boy,
for he was a mere boy, quickly came and mounting the horse,
while the Colonel was divesting himself of his pants said proud-
ly, "I am Colonel now." "Forward," said the Colonel, and into
j ho water they went, notwithstanding the efforts of the boy to
dismount, the Colonel, conspicuous from his red under gar-
ments, as he led the van on foot.
F. M. Bebymer of D, being regimental blacksmith and
with the wagons, thus describes the passage of our regimental
fceams :
"The stream was about three-fourths of a mile wide, and,
excepting the main channel, axle deep, sometimes nearly swim-
ming the leaders. We made slow progress as the teams in
front soon cut up the road and mired down, stopping every few
feet. The water was cold and the mules restive and hard to
keep in place. Dick llardesty, my teamster, proposed that I
should ride the lead mule in order to keep them straight.
Taking off my shoes and socks to have them dry, I mounted.
Such a ride ; as the poor mule would step into a hole in the
corduroy road vacated by a log. under he would go. As the
train moved up we came to a slight bend in the road where
there was less timber, and, as one of the division headquarter
l»;ams ahead was stuck, we decided to pull out and cross the
bottom. Dick and I had proceeded about fifty yards when
Blue Buck, who was driving the other team, called for help;
looking back we saw that three of his mules were down, while he
was holding the nose of his off wheeler out of the water by the
bridle. AVe stopped and I waded back to him. Besides the
water being cold the bottom was full of sweet briars, which
scratched my feet and ankles badly. After making several at-
tempts to pull out we were compelled to abandon the wagons,
and unhitched. In the morning a detail of seventy-five men
were sent down to unload, and after carrying out the most of
the load, pulled the wagons out by hand."
Other details were set to work tearing down some frame
(23)
862
HISTORY OF THE
buildings from which a walk from shore to shore was made,
fastening it np against the trees. On this walk, details un-
loading the wagons, placed the contents, while others conveyed
it to shore, and communications were established with the
troops on the other side.
Monday 27th. Clear. Still in camp, washing up. An
extra detail was sent with the foragers to-day. Six miles out
they were confronted by a squad of twenty rebels, who did not
attack. Returned to camp at dark well supplied. The men in
camp have been hard at work unloading the wagons mired down,
a greater part of which is considerably damaged.
The 28th, rainy, finds us still here. Details are sent out
to forage. All mills that we can find are put to use grinding
the corn, which is gathered up by our foragers. The foragers
in the advance finding a mill, start it up and it is kept running
until the troops have passed. To-day Colonel Hanna while re-
connoitering, discovered a small stone mill ; a regular old
fashioned mill run by hand; a literal illustration of the mill
of ancient times. As the Bible says, uTv:o icmncn shall be
grinding at the mill ; the one shall be taken and the other
left," Math. 24 — 41. While here the mill was run day and
night. It was found to be so useful an article that the Colonel
said: "Charley, get a cart for it:" which was done at once,
the wheels being taken from a farm wagon, so it became a part
of our regimental train. Many and many a night did the regi-
ment have a detail of twentv men to run the mill. By vis;or-
ously turning it, two men at a time, we managed to get quite
an extra supply of meal. Having supplied our needs we would
loan it to the 57th, and occasionally to the others of the
brigade.
On this day the 1st division sent out a forage detail of
one Lieutenant and ten men. Two miles out all were captured
and, after surrendering, were all killed but one, who being
badly wounded, crawled back to the picket line and reported.
A detail, with ambulances, was sent out and found the bodies
cold in death ; robbed of their effects, and a label pinned to them,
"Death to all foragers." Twenty-seven men have been killed
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 3GB
in this manner and the love we have for the johnnies is not very
much intensified by these murders.
Wednesday, March 1st. The waters have now gone
down, and, the rest of the division crossing, we pull out at 1
o'clock and march twelve miles to Black creek. The roads are
very bad and we go into camp at dark.
Thursday, March 2nd. The brigade foragers to-day
start early to a mill six miles from Black creek and grind
corn all day. Some of the boys, while out scouting, find a
wagon load of bacon hid in a swamp and guarded by an old
woman. Giving her a side of meat, she was told to get home
a'3 fast as possible. Having heard that the regiment had gone
into camp a mile and a half away, Sergeant Logan of I. and his
companion were sent to bring teams, each carrying a bundle of
fodder, which was /abundant in the country, to feed the stock
in camp. They found the regiment had moved, and overtook
them going into camp three miles further on, having moved
camp three times to-day and marched nine miles. Obtaining
two army wagons thev returned to the mill for the meal and
bacon ; found everything all right, and, loading up, returned
to the regiment at 11 p. m.
Friday, March 3rd. Pleasant. To-day the foragers start
at T a. m. and go on fifteen miles to the front, then turning off
to the right four miles, reach Burns' mill, where they secure
twenty bushels of meal, and, leaving part of the force there to
continue shelling and grinding corn, the rest go on to Mc-
Kinzie's plantation, where they secure a load of bacon from
thy rebs and find six loads in the smoke house. They also se-
cured twenty horses and mules. In the afternoon they pro-
ceeded after the regiment, and at Cash Station two of the
party pursued Colonel Cash and staff over a corduroy road
across a swamp east of his house, securing as a trophy of the
chase the Colonel's hat. Some of these brave johnnies were
dressed in blue. The regiment was found camped five miles
from Cheraw, outside the fortifications ; the enemy evacua-
ted this morning.
Saturday, March -1th, Pleasant. We start at S a. in.;.
364 HISTOKY OF THE
passed to the left of the city and two miles away go into camp,
having marched nine miles. The enemy left twenty-two pieces
of artillery, and a large amount of ammunition, but set fire to
several public buildings, also to the bridge over the Pee Deo
river, which was destroyed. A forage detail went out, but se-
cured nothing but fodder,
Sunday, March 5th. Clear and pleasant, Ordered to
move into Cheraw to relieve a regiment of the 17th A. C. doing
provost guard duty. This duty is very hard. The whole regi-
ment on duty during the night, putting out fires in different
parts of the city ; the whole of the 3rd brigade being employed
to assist. Company F is detailed to search for ammunition,
which, when found, was thrown into the river, being useless for
army service. Here is where we got our famous trick mule, or
as we called.it, our "What is it," Avery small animal similar
to a mule but with greater endurance. A circus had stranded
here and so had the mule. It could only be ridden by two or
three people. Geo. W. Robb of D, who weighed near two hund-
red pounds, and Reuben King, a colored buy who had followed
our fortunes from Lynnville, Tenn., and Pete Simpson, the
Colonel's hostler. This mule was very sure footed and would
carry Robb on its back all day, with ease, jump through a hoop
or over a bar, and kick and bite, in fun, and was never known
to hurt any one. (It was taken with us, and at discharge left
in charge of Col. Hanna, at Camp Point, where it ended its
days.)
The boys of company D having learned, in the past few
days, the. great value of our mill in providing us with an extra
allowance of meal, discovered another one, made of iron, which
was immediately appropriated and put to use.
Monday, March 6th. The 20th A. C. passed through the
city to-day without doing much iniurv. The Fiftieth are still
on duty as provost guards. To prevent private property and
citizens from being molested, and generally may be found a
soldier sitting in state in the parlor or sitting room, or among
the family, enjoying himself as best he can. In the camp the
remaining soldiers not on duty, are busily engaged in washing
I
s
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 305
up their effects, and getting ready for the move which it is ap-
parent is soon to come. Along the streets is heard the rumble
and jar of the heavy wagon trains moving by. The tramp,
tramp, tramp of the soldiers, and the heavy roll and clatter of
the artillery as it passes. At the river, which has high banks,
the crossing is somewhat difficult. The bridge having been des-
troyed, the approach on either side to the pontoon that has
been put down, is steep, and the troops, as they reach this point
halt and are closed up in an almost solid mass.
We have found that the enemy, besides destroying their
public buildings by fire, had also planted many percussion
shells in the track on which our wagons were expected to move.
These as fast as discovered were carefully removed. In a ravine
to the left of the bridge was quite a pile of ammunition left by
the retreating foe, and as more was discovered, some of it was
thrown into the river, and some taken to this place. At 8
o'clock p. m. a tremenduous explosion occurred, this ammu-
nition having been tired by a soldier dropping a shell while
carrying it. Hundreds of soldiers were thrown down, six were
killed outright, and several severely wounded. Three houses
were completely demolished. Shells and solid shot, grape and
bannister rained all over the city. One of the boys, sitting by
the fireside entertaining a young lady, was surprised by a shell
passing through the side of the house and between them, bury-
ing itself in the brick of the chimney.
At the camp of the Fiftieth, one-half mile away, the ser-
geant major was engaged in washing his clothes, he was suffer-
ing with a severe chill at the time; the Chaplain was standing
near, when suddenly the air was full of shrieking missiles and a
12-pound shell struck the fire between them and went bounding
on. The sergeant major was cured of the ague at once, while
the Chaplain, not knowing what was up jumped into the air
and then made good his escape.
Just at this time the cavalry and mounted infantry,
among them the mounted part of the 7th Illinois, that had been
sent down to Florence to destroy the railroad, returned with
iii'1 report that the rebel cavalry were advancing in force from
s
36G
HISTORY OF THE
Florence, under General Hampton, Immediately the guards
were taken off of private property and preparations made for
defence. The withdrawal of the guards was pleasing to the
boys, who declared the city of Cheraw to be the worst bed of
treason they had ever slept in. Many of the citizens, notwith-
standing the care given them, treated the guards with great
contempt.
Tuesday, March 7th. Clear and pleasant. Oar corps,
the 15th, moved out to-day; our brigade in rear of the army.
We left the city at 9 a. m., heartily glad to get out of a place
where we were so heartily unwelcome. Marching two miles we
halted until the pontoon train came up, and at 12 o'clock
struck out on our way to Fayetteville, K. C. We marched to-
day twelve miles over very bad roads, through a beautiful coun-
try. Corn and fodder are abundant and our millers are happy-
Upon going into camp a detail of twenty men is made which'
running the mill all night, grinds four bushels of meal,
Wednesday, March 8th. To-day is cloudy a^ain. Part
of our division is off on another road, three miles to the right,
and at seven o'clock \\e started for it, reaching it at 9 a. m#
The roads are fearfully bad, many times we stopped to build cor-
duroy during the day. At 1 o'clock we bid farewell to South
Carolina, to try our fortunes in the Tar Heel State. Crossing
Crooked creek. Beaver Dam and Bowles creek, we go into camp
at Springfield at 0 p. m., in a very muddy field, and raining
hard. We have made, to-day. thirteen miles.
Thursday, March 9th. Weather cloudy and unpleasant.
Starting at 7 o'clock a. m., we arrive at Laurel Hill, seven miles
away, and rest two hours, then forward over a long and rough
corduroy, and go into camp at dark in the brush, in a pouring
rain. We have plenty of wood, but find it impossible to start
a fire. Soon after dark we are ordered forward and shortly
after starting are favored by the rain ceasing and the moon
coming out; by its light we found good places to sleep, and by
midnight all was quiet in the camp. We have marched ten
miles to-day, over very muddy roads, and often in water knee
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 367
deep, besides being greatly annoyed by our trains and artillery
in J ring.
Friday, 10th. Raining again. We started at 7:80 and
cross a stream called Drowning creek, near a church of the
{Mind name. This name, it is said, was given it from the fact
that during the revolutionary war a severe battle was fought
here, (called the battle of the Allimance.) The torys running,
were drowned in the creek, hence its name. Three miles fur-
ther on we are ordered to halt, and at 2:80 the Fiftieth is or-
dered forward to assist the pioneers in building a bridge and
corduroy. Worked hard until dark and were then moved for-
ward three miles from the brigade and went into camp for the
night. Soon after going into camp, Captain Barber, A. D. C. to
General Corse, ordered us forward but, from some reason, we
did not comply. Our march to-day was seven and one half
miles. While the regiment was at work, some of the soldiers,
foraging in the surrounding country, came to an old settler's
cabin, around which was about two acres of cultivated land.
In the smoke house there was but a piece or two of meat; the
ramrods of the soldiers soon found a box full buried in the
ground inside. In front of the cabin was a large iron kettle
hung over the fire boiling water; one of the boys kicked over
the kettle and there buried under the tire was another iron ket-
tle containing $80.00 in gold.
On Saturday, the J 1th, we find it clear and pleasant and
starting at 7:80 we march thirteen miles over very bad roads,
and go into camp at 8:80 p. m., near a creek. At 7 a. m. on
Sunday, broke camp. The day is nice and clear, and with good
r<>ads we march fast, passing through the village of Rock Fish
Factory, and go into camp two miles from Fayetteville, North
Carolina, at 2 o'clock p. m., having marched fifteen miles.
Here we learn an arir.y tug, the Davenson, had arrived from
Wilmington with despatches. Also that our sick and disabled
will be sent down the Cape Fear river to Newborn, and with
them many Union refugees, who have followed us.
The sergeant major informed the boys that he would en-
deavor to mail any letters that might be ready, and a small
?■
368 HISTORY OF THE
!
mail was prepared for our friends at home. This city, Fayette-
ville, is an old French city. We have been out on this trip
forty-five days, cut off from communication with the north.
Our casualties small — one man captured by the enemy, and
we have marched, since leaving Savannah, over 300 miles
through the heart of the southern confederacy.
Monday, March 13th. We are resting to-day in camp
our sick are taken to the boats which have ascended the river
to the city, under cover of some gunboats. A pontoon is laid
across the river, over which the 17th A. C. is moving out.
Tuesday, 14th. Clear and pleasant. A large number of
buildings, covering nearly fifty acres of ground, in use as an
arsenal, have been destroyed. We kept our old mill running all
night, grinding two bushels of meal. At daylight received .or-
ders to move, and fell in at sunrise, marched down to the lower
ferry, two miles below the city, and halted at the bridge over
the river until noon, when Gen. Corse leads the division across,
marching out two miles from the river, where we went into
camp in a swamp ; quite a number of details are sent out, re-
turning well supplied with meal, flour, hams, bacon, fresh pork
and chickens.
Wednesday, March 15th. Clear and pleasant. The 4th
division take the advance. The 89th Iowa are left with the di-
vision train. The brigade train and twelve wagons from the
ordinance train, are with us in charge of company F, the rest of
the train, as soon as loaded from the fleet, are to follow. We
- start at 7:30 for Golclsborough, sixty miles away. The 15th,
17th and 20th corps each moving on parallel roads. Skirmishing
continually with cavalry in our front, the column moves stead-
ily on, and having marched ten miles, camp near South river.
This river was full and about one-half mile wide. After start-
ing it continued to rain all day.
March 16th. Still raining. At 7:30 we start, wading
the river up to our waists to the channel, over which a rude
bridge has been constructed. We cross the stream, and then
another wade, and to our surprise, reach the opposite shore
without opposition, the enemy having withdrawn during the
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
369
night. Skirmishing considerably with Hampton and Battler's
cavalry, who were in our front to-day. Marching eight miles,
we camp in the rain, near another large swamp, having made
connection with the 20th corps. We have heard that Bragg'
has been defeated by Sehofleld and the 23rd corps.
Marc}] 17th. We are still in the advance, that is, the 4th
division, with a clear day, we start oft at 6:80, finding the road
very muddy, reaching Adairsville cross-roads at 11 o'clock.
Our division now being on the left, we are ordered into camp
and to build in-
f.
s K
h>
•,y,i"*.r_.^ .-/; >r
-***
trench men ts. We
lv begun
order
£*..-•' ■ --^: -.;-v ■■-*-; v^;i^-v .:-■ ■.->"""" . :>.'■-■■•■"- ■'" \ •■-. -'.^ v>v-r.^ had harcll
.; 'v-'...- .- -,■;■; '•:-•■.■' ;- ,' .-^ v'ri: ->■ : " ■ ~ >-vi^,^* when thi_
■■f :.:•:' ■■. ..V;^-,.;:; ' ■.-■:., -..- •;'•■;.:' ':'r<?1 was counterman
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rfs; : '.:^:-.r^ >.: ' ?-:l\ i - ■ ,_ ;Mi ::i bv a long swamp.
^ ;-^;^:^^::^v ' : ..: $i#^&$g Wf^^&?M velT muddy. We
^N^^^'^ (;■:'„ *^^' h ^^,i^|;.^'-'' ^ have made but
<r" ' '-". live miles to-day.
FORAGERS SKIRMISHING. With OUT foragei'S
out skirmishing all the time, some of them brought in fod-
der and beans. We have had to re-build nearly all the road
to-day with corduroy.
March 18th. Clear. Ordered to remain in camp. At 8
o'clock we receive orders to move and at 0 are off. This time
we take the road to Goldsborough, the 4th division in the rear.
The people are very much frightened — the rebel cavalry as they
pass along our front, in retreat, pretend to be Yankee^, as they
rob the people; making no distinction between rich and poor.
Many of the rebel soldiers are dressed in blue, and the people
'
370 HISTORY OF THE
'
are inclined to believe it is so, hut say they cannot understand
why "they alls should be Yankees and shoot back at you alls.*'
Having marched eight miles we go into camp at Newton's Grove,
where we build a barricade of rails and logs from some negro
huts. Soon after we are ordered back one-fourth of a mile and
camp in an old muddy field, twenty-six miles from Goldsbor-
ough. Company D boys secure another old iron corn mill
which, with the other is run all night, the one previously found
at Oheraw being discarded.
Sunday, March 19th. Clear. By steady work with both
mills, the boys ground four hundred pounds of meal during the
night. At 8 o'clock a. m. the command moved out on the
Goldsborough road. The country has been stripped of nearly
everything by the enemy, who are in our front. Over to the
loft, the 14tli and 20th corps have been fighting hard all day.
The roads are very muddy and rough, the train considerably
scattered; a body of rebels charged our wagon train and drove
in our flankers. At dark we cross a very rough and muddy
swamp, leaving the 1st brigade to watch a division of rebel cav-
alry that have passed our rear and left flank. Marched five
miles more and went into camp on the right of the 1st division,
one-half mile from the enemy's pickets, having made twelve
miles. The wagon train is now left in our rear.
March 20th. We are in line of battle at day light wait-
ing for an expected attack of the johnnies, but they did not
come. By this time the brigade train had gotten up, having
been on the road all night. At 6:80 we started, with the 1st
division in advance, the 4th in the rear as support. Two miles
on we met the enemy, and, skirmishing, drove them six miles,
when suddenly they burst out of the woods and bore down upon
the 2nd brigade of the 1st division, with a loud yell that sound-
ed far above the din and crack of a thousand muskets ; for
nearly a mile alone: the front came this heavy line of grev backs
down upon us, but it was repulsed and driven back without our
line beyig disturbed, our loss being two men killed and several
wounded. While this attack was being made the 4th division
was getting into position on the right of the l^t, and right of
-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 371
the road. Almost in the twinkling of an eye, some rail fences
were transferred, and transformed into a barricade; no sooner
was this completed than the line was advanced 800 yards taking
the rails with them. One company of the 7th and 57th were
sent out on the skirmish line and were engaged steadily all
day. Twice in the afternoon the enemy charged our lines with-
out driving in our skirmishers. While marching forward in
the morning Daniel Thompson of company B, who was detailed
as a division headquarters forager; was wounded in the wrist
and head while out on the left flank. We marched nine miles
to-day. and are lying to-night in line of battle, face to face
With the rebel army. Tis well we do not know the future,
but come what may, we are ready for any sacrifice called by
duty.
Tuesday, March 21st. Cloudv to-dav. A steady skir-
mish fire was kept up all night in our front. Notwithstanding
the continuous crack of the muskets in our front and the many
minnie bullets zipping by us and striking around us in the
brush, the boys slept soundly, and after a good night's rest
were up and ready for business at daylight. At 7 o'clock Co.
C, Lieut. Starrett, was ordered out to relieve the company of the
57th 111., and at 10 o'clock the line of battle was ordered for-
ward 200 yards to build breastworks. The sergeant major
was then ordered to take twenty men and go to the division
train as quickly as possible and get what axes and spades he
could get. Going at a double quick they soon returned with,
thirty-six spades and ten new axes. During this time the line
was located, and, the tools being given to one company at a
time, they were allowed ten minutes use of them until they
had been used along the line. Others of the boys were busy
with their hatchets and heavy knives in hacking down the un-
der brush in front and bringing it into the pile of rubbish,
which was soon covered with dirt, forming a fair line of works,
which were strengthened by the boys during the day. A steady
and heavy fire was kept up from both sides, until noon, when
the skirmish line was advanced fifty yards, across a deep and
miry swamp in our front. The enemy on the opposite side, at
372 HISTORY OF THE
once charged the line and were repulsed, retiring to their line of
rifle pits. Then the 66th 111. t. was deployed in front of our line
of battle as support to the skirmish line, and sent forward with
company C of the Fiftieth in advance they charged the works
and drove the enemy out of their rifle pits, but the 66th falling
back to the swamp, company 0 was obliged to follow to avoid
capture by a brigade of the enemy swarming down upon them.
They brought away with them several canteens and knapsacks as
trophies. Soon after this companies A, H and K, under Lieut.
J. S. Gayer of I), commanding K, were sent out to relieve Co.
C. These companies were ordered to report to Major Johnson
of the Till Illinois, in command of the skirmish line — the 7th
being out as support — and were ordered by him to charge the
enemy at once. As they moved into the swamp, company C
having expended its ammunition and being relieved were re-
tiring to the rear, when Captain Barber, A. I). C. to General
Corse, seeing them returning, and probably not understanding
that they were being relieved, ordered them to return and
j charge with the three companies, and in addition called them
cowards, Bent on obeying orders at all times, into the swamp
. they went, many of them without a cartridge, and with a rush
in connection with the other companies again took posession of
the rifle pits. But the main works of the enemy were too near,
not over seventy-five yards distant, and heavily manned, and
out over the works came a brigade and drove the lino back with
a loss of one killed and thirteen wounded. Corporal Anderson
Tout of company A, killed and Private Mat. Leach, of C, woun-
ded, losing a leg.
Heavy tiring was now heard to our front and left, suppos-
ed to be by the 14th and 20th corps coming in on their rear,
while a continuous heavy firing was kept up on our left all day
and night. After dark two heavy attacks were made on our lines,
in one of which Sergeant J. B. Hawkes, commanding company
H, was killed, a ball coming ovei the works and striking him
in the forehead. He died without a struggle, a faithful soldier
for the flag. Corporal Lambert, of company H and Private
John B. Degroot, of B, were wounded in the leg. Anticipating
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
373
o
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«4(
874 HISTORY OF THE
still furthor attacks all fires were extinguished and a dark,
drizzily, rainy night set in, fortified by a cold, chilly, March
wind. The lire from the enemy was kept up a greater part of
the night, being replied to by our skirmishers as they saw the
flash of the muskets, until 8 o'clock in the morning of the
22nd, when it ceased.
As soon as the first stream of day appeared Major John-
son advanced his skirmish lino and found the works evacuated.
The Fiftieth was ordered forward as skirmishers, and, leaving
their blankets, dog tents, and camp utensils behind, they ad-
vanced to the opposite side of the swamp. Along the road was
a large pile of amputated limbs, showing where the rebel sur-
geons had been at work on the 20th, after the desperate charge
made by the enemy. Tramping through the woods we aroused
and captured a rebel picket post, the men having gone to sleep
and failed to be relieved. From these prisoners we learned they
had suffered heavily the day before. We found on the way the
bodies of two rebels burned to a crisp, and the body of a Union
soldier with his head split open by an ax; also a church used
as a hospital, and among the wounded, some of our troops.
Having pushed forward two and one-half miles, near Benton-
ville we came to Mill creek, a small stream with steep banks;
over this was a rude bridge of logs, on which had been emptied
a quantity of rosin, and, having been fired by the enemy,
was burning. The Colonel said, "Boys, this must be put out,"
and, jumping onto a sunken log, immersed to his knees, began
to throw water on with his hat. His example being followed
by his men, the fire was soon extinguished. The troops follow-
ing us passed on, and while waiting here for orders, a patrol to
the left at Bentonville, discovered the body of a Union soldier
, who had been hung; his body cut in pieces and his head cut
open; his fingers and toes cut off. This was done, we under-
stand, to compel his comrade, who was captured with him, to
disclose the number and location of our troops in front. Or-
ders being received we returned for our effects and camped for
the night.
Thursday, March 28rd. Clear and pleasant. Wo took
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 875
the Twenty mile road for Goldsborough, and following up our
victorious army went into camp at 3 p. m., nine miles from the
city, having marched eleven miles.
On Friday, the 24th, we started at 7 a. m. ; and at 11 we
halted near the city, and having stopped here three hours,
marched in, and passed in review before Major General Sherman,
then marched out three miles and went into camp near the
Xewbern R. R., having marched twelve miles.
Evidently our warfare in the field is over: victory is
near at hand, and the grand old Ship of State is nearing the
harbor of peace.
Saturday, March 25th. Pleasant. Laid out our camp
lo-day. It has been our rule, as a general thing when we go
into camp, to arrange it as if our stop was permanent. So to-
day we move a short -distance and settle down to housekeeping.
A detachment or consignment of eighty-five recruits arrived
and are assigned to companies F, G and K.
Sunday, March 26th. Pleasant. Fixed up our camp
to-day, and received from the north a very large mail. The mail
numbered near 400 sacks ; sixteen for the division and two for
the regiment. We have been out fifty-eight days from Savannah,
our regiment's loss being one man captured, two killed and
fourteen wounded.
Headquarters 50th Illinois Lvfasiry,
Goldshorougk, N- C\ April 2nd, 1SG5.
Special Order
No. 13,
Sergeant John P. Randolph, Company A, 50th Ills. Infantry, is
hereby detailed as Drill Sergeant of the regiment, and will be obeyed and res-
pected as such. He will report to the headquarters immediately for instruc-
tions.
WILLIAM HANNA,
Lieut. CoL Commanding 50th 111$. Infantry,
Monday, March 27th. Clear and pleasant. Those of
our comrades whoso time has expired start homo to-day.
While the rest of the boys bid them good-byo we are satisfied
I " that before long some of us will follow them. The work of
I
37G HISTORY OF THE
drilling the recruits in squads goes gaily on. Details are at
work policing camp and other needed duties. Parses art-
granted the boys to visit the city when off duty, so that the
time is occupied. To-day the Q. M. draws us some clothing, of
which we are very much in need. Our camp is in fine condition.
Tuesday, 28th. Pleasant. Usual routine of duty, and
also an order to prepare for division inspection to-morrow at
10 a. m.
Wednesday, March 29th. Clear. At 9 a. m. we are un-
der arms and march out to the inspection grounds. The divis-
ion passes in review before Gen, Corse, our commander. We
march in columns by companies right .in front. The division
headed by the pioneer corps is followed by the 1st, 2nd, and
3rd brigades. <" Commenced raining in the afternoon, which
made the camp inspection a duty as disagreeable as it was
muddy.
Thursday, March 30th. Cloudy and cool. We received
a heavy mail. Reports from the inspection of yesterday pro-
nounce our camp to be the best in the division. (That means
that it pays to be a little more than particular, boys.)
Friday, March 81st. Clear to-day. Fixing up camp
and putting things in good order. Several commissions re-
ceived for promotion in our regiment.
Saturday, April 1st. Alt fools day. We have dress par-
ade for the first time since leaving Sister's Ferry, near Savan-
nah, Ga., January 27th.
Sunday, April 2nd. Pleasant. Sunday morning inspec-
tion fyy companies, Col. Hanna, the inspecting officer. The sol-
diers making the best soldierly appearance are to be compli-
mented in General Orders.
April 3rd. Clear. Col. Hulburt commanding 3rd brig-
ade having received a leave of absence, Col. Hanna assumes
command of the brigade and Cant. J. \V. Piekart cf the regi-
ment, and at dress parade the following order was read:
\ •- v^s \-^ — ■ " ' -. - ,Vi >i • -»X
MAJOR HORACE L. BURNHAM.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
i <
Headquarters 50th Illinois Infantry,
Goldsborough, X. C, April Sndt 1865.
Social Order
Xo. IS.
The commanding officer of the 50th Illinois Infantry tenders his
thanks to the following named enlisted men of said regiment for their neat and
s-vMifriy appearance, and the fine condition of their arms and accoutrements at
inspection tins a. m.
J >hn Clark, Company A
James II. Fowler, Company B.
F.noch Smith Company C.
Jass. Kelly, Company C, .
L. S. Foster, Company D.
Jamgs Metts, Company I).
Corporal Geo. II. Baine, Company D.
Kbeuezer Foreman, Company E.
William Groom, Company E.
C. C. Krahiel, Company F.
John M. Morgan, Company F.
Thos. B. Stewart, Company F.
Corporal W. R. Ivnock, Company G.
Josaph Graham, Company G.
J. S. Lawmen, Corrpany G.
Alfred Burnett, Company H.
Sergeant A. J. Thompson, Company I.
Edwin W. Beatty, Company I.
Thomas Aforce, Company E.
The above soldiers are hereby excused from all duty, excepting dress par-
ade, for seven davs.
WILLIAM HANNA,
Ltiut. Col. 50th Ills-, Commanding Reg' t.
April 4th. Pleasant. Lieut. M, B. Converse, who resign-
ed as Adjutant of the regiment in 1864, returned to-day as Q.
M. Our wagons and all surplus teams are turned over to the
lord corps, under General Schofield, one wagon to each regi-
ment being reserved. Of course Blue Buck and his sorrels are
retained. Dress parade; also great expectations of moving out
tomorrow. An amusing incident occurred about this time
illustrative of the tone of morals existing in the regiment.
One morning Lieut. William R. Keyte, recently muster-
ed as 1st Lieutenant of company E, got up minus his pants and
boots. Soon a private, one of the conscripts recently arrived,
was observed walking, with a nonchalant air, down a company
street, dressed in a pair of officer's pants, and new boots. Hav-
ing been brought before his company officer, he was requested
to tell where he got the articles, which, after proper question-
ing, he did, stating, however, that he was of the opinion, from
what he had learned of the soldiers, that unless a soldier could
steal, he did not amount to much, and that it was necessary for
(24)
37S HISTORY OF THE
a new-comer to demonstrate his ability in this line in order to
establish his reputation. He said this so innocently that be-
yond being placed on extra duty, nothing more was done.
Wednesday, April 5th. Pleasant. A review of the di-
vision is ordered for to-morrow. The 2nd division of the 20th
A. C, on review to-day. Capt. Rickart is ordered to drill his
regiment one hour this afternoon.
Thursday, April Gth. This is the anniversary of Shiloh.
The regiment in line at 8 a. m. and marches out one and a
half miles on the Kinston R, R., where was had a brigade re-
view by Col, Hanna, and division drill, (in review) by General
Corse. On coming into camp, we heard the news that "Rich-
mond had fallen, with 25,000 prisoners and 500 guns." The
news was gladly received.
On the 7th of April we were in line at 9 a. in. and march-
ed out to the review field, where we were reviewed by Generals
Logan and Corse, returning at 1 p. m.
Saturday, April 8th. Pleasant. The Quartermaster has
been drawing a great deal of clothing, preparatory to the com-
ing campaign. A detachment of recruits received to-day from
Hilton Head, S. C. Some being assigned to company D.
Sunday, 0th. While holding regular Sunday morning
inspection, orders received to be ready to move to-morrow at
9 a. m. We have preaching in camp by Chaplain Bigger. The
wayfaring of camp life, such as we have had during the past six
months, knits close together the members of any organization,
and so it is with the Fiftieth. The older we grow, the closer
the bonds of coinradeship, regardless of rank, so the spirit of
true manhood prevails.
As our recruits were an important adjunct to our organi-
zation, it is well to insert here the adventures that some of
them had in the service of their country, particularly in trying
to reach the organization to Which thev had been assigned. The
experience of Private C. W. Sturtevant of D, who was one of
the arrivals on the 8th, which is a counterpart of what many
others endured in seeking their regiment. With few alterations
given as related by him as follows:
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 870
"I enlisted in the above company and regiment, March
1st, 1865, therefore rank as a recruit. Now I want to say a
word .in behalf of the recruits. I find as we grow older, that
there seems to be a tendency of some of the old vets, to lock on
us as rather inferior. Now I, speaking of myself, dim't want to
retract one iota of the glory due the old boys, but it must be
borne in mind, that had there been no recruits, that the ranks of
some of our veteran regiments would hardly have made a shad-
ow in 1805. Although a recruit to the Fiftieth Illinois, that
was not my first service; having enlisted in company F, 118 111.
in 1862, when that regiment was organized, being at that time
in my sixteenth year. I was discharged from the 118th at
Holmes' plantation, La., in 1SG3, broken down with chronic
diarrhea and it was nearly a year before I regained my health.
So you see, it would have been hardly probable that I could
have went with the veteran Fiftieth in 1861. My experience
with the veteran Fiftieth was not quiet by any means, although
after I reached the regiment at Goldsborough, the regiment
had no fighting, but that wasn't my fault. I have the Irish-
man's consolation: "Bedads 1 killed as many of the enemy as
they did of me." I. suppose all will be written concerning
moves, scouts, fights and foraging that well can be, by
the old boys, but I doubt if there are any that traveled over
gnore of Uncle Sam's territory in four and one-half months
than I did; enlisting on the 1st of March, 18(35, at Quincy, 111.,
going from there to the general rendezvous, Camp Butler, to
await orders and transportation, we were freighted by rail to
Indianapolis, thence to Louisville, from there to the old Zolli-
eofi'er House, at Nashville, Tenn., and while there some one
tried to cremate a few thousand of us by fireing the building
in several places, but no serious damage was done. Of course
we were safe, being in the fifth story. I think we only stayed
at that hotel one night, and, as there was no communication
with Sherman's armv through the south, they sent us to New
York City. Our route was back by Louisville, Indianapolis,
Pittsburg, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, to Battery Barracks, X. V.,
where wu were assort*1*! and Sherman's men were put on Bed-
t
380 HISTOKY OF THE
loe's Island for safe keeping. We stayed there about one week
when we were taken on board a transport and started down the
coast, our destination being Hilton Head, S. C. This being the
first sea voyage for many of us, we had an eniovable time. I
soon picked up a partner, and as the officers had the cabin, and
we did not like the hold for quarters, we located on the cabin
deck, just back of the wheel-house, there being less motion there
than forward or aft. Everything went well the first day and
night; on the second night it was rough, the space between
the bulwarks and cabin was about four feet and when it
came time to turn in we spread our blankets in the space and
went to sleep. Along sometime in the night we woke up soon,
with a big S. A wave had pitched about forty barrels of water
into the space, we were lying in, and it started for the grating,
near the wheel for an outlet, and took us along with it. I tell
you that for once we got up without being told the second time,
from then till morning we sat around and tried to squeeze our-
selves dry. When morning came it was quite pleasant, and as
some of the sailors were washing down the decks from a force-
pump at the stern, we took hold of the levers to help, for a lit-
tle exercise. We got it! The stern of that old transport was
raising and falling about thirty feet at a dip as t?e crossed the
waves; the pump levers raised and fell about three feet, and in
about three minutes we commenced to raise, and we kept it up.
I think that I threw up everything I ever ate and lots more, for
the next three days my entire occupation was throwing up, or at
least trying to. We had a very rough passage, and I was so
empty that I am certain if 1 had fallen overboard and kept my
mouth shut, I would have floated like an empty bottle. About
the fourth day we passed the burning hull of a vessel that, we
learned afterwards, had been loaded with troops on their way
home. We finally landed at Hilton Head, S. C, and took what
they told us was a ninety mile tramp, to Goldsboro, where we
found the "Blind Half." I got there on Saturday, the boys
said they had been waiting for me. So they had Sunday morn-'
ing inspection and on Monday we started out to catch John-
son's army. As you are all aware we did catch it finally at
Raleigh, but T was not as tall as I was when I enlisted, at least
I did not feel as tall.'1
CHAPTER XXI.
I
i
Again on the March— «-'lLee has Surrendered" — Passing through Raleigh — Sad
News from Washington— Surrender of Johnson — Off for Home — Arrival
at Petersburg. Va. — Richmond — The Foot Race — The Grand Review —
Steamboat Race — Louisville, Ky.~ The Prize Drill.
ONDAY, April 10th, 1865. Cloudy. Ready at 9 a, m. and
at 12 m. we start; our brigade as rear guard. March-
ing two miles out on the PikeviJle road, the 57th are
detached and ordered back as rear guard to the 1st division
Company E is detailed as rearguard of the brigade. The roads
continue to be very muddy, detaining us very much. At dark
we had marched but five miles, after that time we marched four
miles and went into. camp at Pikeville, at 2:10 a. m. of the 11th
very tiseed and hungry. It was indeed a very hard days march,
and many of the bovs gave out by the way, and bivouacked by
the roadside. Ordered to move at 7 a. m.
Tuesday, April 11th. Ready at 7 a. m. Col. Hanna and
.-tat! breakfasted at regimental headquarters, and glad the Col-
onel was to eat at his old table with the Fiftieth, their supplies
beingin the rear, and team not arriving until 10 a. m. At noon
the division moved, 2nd brigade in advance, 3rd in center.
Marched over very rough roads, ten miles, and camped two
miles from Boonville, N. C, which was captured yesterday.
We camped at 8 p. m.; trains not up yet, and the 57th still
with the 1st division train.
Wednesday, 12th. Clear. Train came up at 3:30 a. m.,
382
HISTORY OF THE
o) r< *
at which time the reveille was sounded, and at 5 a. m. we start-
ed for Lowell Factory. A detachment of the regiment was sta-
tioned at every place along the road that needed repairing, ex-
cept company B, which was on picket, and company E. We
crossed Little river at 8 o'clock a. m., on a pontoon and stop-
ped in the village of Lowell, waiting for the 2nd division to
move out. during which time the companies that had been left
in rear rejoined us. During this halt some of the boys discov-
ered a lot of whiskey and bacon, and also, on inspecting the
store-hou^e belonging to the factory, a large quantity of line
sausage was found packed in barrels of lard and hidden under
cotton. The headquarters cook taking a gunny sack from
under his saddle, filled it
with the greasy 'articles and
placed it on the pack mule.
The day being warm a streak
of grease was left on every-
thing that touched him, and
many an officers coat and
pants bore evidence of a too
close contact as they had
passed. Suddenly at 0 a. m.,
a staff officer dashed along
our lines, swinging his cap
and shouting, '*Lee has sur-
rendered ! Lee has surrender-
ed to General Grant ! !" The
news so long looked for was
received with the wildest ex-
hibitions of joy. Men rushed into each others arms shouting
until they were hoarse. On every face there glowed, in shining
letters, as if imprinted there, "Home, Home.'' Now it was evi-
dent that the long and bloody struggle was Hearing its end, and
that the Union of States (for years so shattered and broken)
was an accomplished fact. Treason crushed; loyalty trium-
phant. "Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory.", A
few of the bovs, however, got a little too hilarious, and one, in
*.<.>
&t
.v?c
&^HtrL
mar
I J
is fc4'
k vu'Vt.W
LEE HAS SURRENDERED.
IB
I
I
i
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 388
a spell of rejoicing, supposing the war was over, and that we
had no farther use for our old mill, which had proven such a
friend) mounted the cart and exclaiming, "we've no use for you
now, old fellow," lifted the upper stone and threw it out, break-
ing it in pieces. Thus ending our old mill.
At 12 noon, we fell in and marched steadily until dark,
having marched thirteen miles; the companies detailed having
built over six hundred rods of corduroy. The trains came up
«jarly, and at 9 o'clock we went into bivouac for the night as
the rear guard of the army.
Thursday, 13th. Cloudy, with some rain. Started at
5:80 P.m.; marched over a mile and rested. The Fiftieth is
rear guard to-dav. At 9 a. in. we received the news of Grant's
success confirmed. We find the roads very good and march
fast, with the 4th division in advance. Having marched twenty
miles we camped at 5 p. m., in an orchard five miles from Ral-
eigh, X. C, which we learn was captured at 9 o'clock this morn-
ing, by the 14th corps.
Friday, 14th. Clear. Received orders to move early,
and at 7 a. m. we started for Raleigh. Before entering the city
the companies are equalized; that is, some members of large
companies are transferred to smaller ones, to make them appear
alike in size. Passing through the city in column by compa-
ny, were reviewed by General Sherman in front of the State
House, then the regiment marched out on the west side of the
city one and a half miles, and camped at 10 o'clock. Our
march for the day was five and one half miles. The conduct of
the troops in the city was good, and the citizens seemed pleased
to have us occupy the place. In order that the recent victories
of Gen. U. S. Grant should be properly celebrated, the men were
provided wtli one ration of whiskey, consequently some become
very boisterous.
Saturday,, April 15th. Rainy. Received orders at 6 a.
m. to march at once, and at 6:30 we start, our division in front
of the corps and the Fiftieth in advance of all. Tin? roads are
very muddy and the creeks full and rising. The boys are obli-
ged to wade up to theii waists. The country is rough, hilly and
.
oo
84 HISTORY OF THE
stony. During the clay reports are received that Johnson had
surrendered his forces to Killpatrick. At night it was reported
that it was Gen. P. P. Blair to whom he had surrendered, both
reports, however, are doubted. At 9 a. m. it rained in torrents
for thirty minutes, the water ran down the road in streams, we
went into camp at 5:30, wet, tired and hungry, having marched
sixteen miles and made 125 yards of corduroy . On account of
bad roads part of the provision train did not get up at night.
Sunday, April IGth, a beautiful day, clear and pleasant.
We are in camp at Morrisville Station. This is an important
epoch in the history of the war. So far, for several month?, it
has seemed as if this warfare consisted in experimenting, to
learn which army, the union or rebel, could stand the most
hardship with the least fighting possible, and to-day it looks
as though the other fellow was getting ready to yell enough.
All of which is very pleasant news to "Uncle Billy's" boys,
who are satisfied to quit whenever their opponents cry
"enough." Indicative that they have enough, we learn that an
armistice has been declared, to last until the evening of the
18th. Negotiations are in progress between Generals Sherman
and Johnson.
An extra foraging party is detailed as brigade foragers.
Lieut. C. II. Floyd of -company D, detailed as Acting Adjutant.
W. S. Wood's resignation returned accepted, and he leaves us
for Illinois. lie is sick and nigh unto death with consumption,
. poor fellow .
Monday, April 17th. Clear and pleasant. Gen. Sher-
man and stall' left on the train for Durham station, to confer
with Johnson regarding the surrender of his forces. As the
General was entering the car, tin1 operator opproached him and
said he was just receiving, in cipher from Morehead city, a most
important dispatch, which it might be well for him to see.
Sherman detained the train until the message was translated
and written out. It was from the Secretary of War, and con-
veyed the intelligence of the assassination of President Lincoln.
The operator was enjoined silence, but in some way it got cir-
culated, and great was the sadness manifested throughout the
. *
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 3S5
camp. Our good Chaplain Bigger having heard the news, stood
in the midst of the boys who crowded around, with tears run-
[ling down his face, expressed the hope that the news might be
false. There is great expectation of the surrender to-morrow.
The army is in fine spirits and health good.
Tuesday, 18th. Clear. Still in camp. The foraging
party detailed on the l(5th are relieved, the camp straightened
*»ut, and put in order, expecting, of course, to remain at least
ten days. Paroled soldiers from Lee's army are passing down
the railroad in squads. They report Johnson's army ready to
surrender. As they pass through the lines of our troops they
find t lie camp kettles merrily singing "I'm full, I'm full, I'm full
<>f coffee," and near by a box of hard-tack and the friendly side
of sow-belly; ''help yourselves,'' is the word, and as hungry,
and ragged, and weary, they sit by the rlre and refresh them-
selves, they are heard to say "what foolish people we all's have
been." "This is a rich man's wait and a poor man's fight."
Wednesday, April 19th, Clear and very warm; the camp
in good order. A rumor is out that the President was not
killed, but it was received without credit.
Thursday. April 20th. Clear. Received orders to change
our location and, expecting to remain here several weeks, de-
tails are sent over to clean a place for camp, when nearly com-
pleted orders were received to be ready to move to-morrow at 0
a. m., back to Raleigh,
Friday, 21st.. .Clear. Started at 0 and marched slow for
three miles, then very fast, reaching our old camp at -1 p. m.
having marched thirteen miles. It was so very warm that a
number of the boys gave out. At 4 o'clock a heavy rain of two
hours made it very disagreeable.
Saturday, 22nd, Clear. Col. Rowett of the 7th, who
was severely wounded at Allatoona, returned to us at Morris-
vine station. He is again in command of the 3rd brigade and
Col. Hanna, of the Fiftieth. We are glad to see them both back
in their old positions, as we feel near to them. The 06th Illi-
nois is ordered to take our camp, we moving over to the left of
the brigade, where \ve clean up another camp ground.
ooo
HISTORY OF THE
Monday, April 24th. Clear. Guard mounting at 7:30
a. in. Learned to-day that Johnson had not surrendered, but
that arrangements were being made for that purpose. The 20th
and 17th corps are reviewed by Generals Grant, Sherman and
Meade; Generals Grant and Meade arriving this a. m. Another
detachment of recruits came up from Pocotaligo, where they
had been for some weeks, Isaac J. Ogle and some others who
were home on account of wounds, being with them. How gladly
these old comrades are welcomed, and how we sympathized with
them for being absent so long.
Tuesday, 25th. Pleasant. The 17th A. C. move out to-
ward the front and we expected to move to-morrow, but to-night
we learn that Sherman and Grant have been in communication
with Johnson, who is reported to have acceded to their terms.
If so the troops will return to-morrow.
Wednesday, April 25th. The 17th A. C. are coming back.
Johnson HAS SURRENDERED. The arms and public prop-
erty to be delivered at Greensborough, K. C. These arrange-
ments having been settled, Gen. Grant leaves for the headquar-
ters of the armv at the north. *
Thursday, 27th. Pleasant. Communication with the
north restored, and we learn to-day that Mobile is taken. Our
artillery at Raleigh are turning over to the ordinance depart-
ment all their ammunition, and we now understand that the
war is ended. Dress parade as usual. We expect to start for
home in the morning, via. Richmond, Va. The instructions for
the march are received, and are very strict; no straggling to be
allowed; our trains are to be loaded with commissary stores,
and if nothing prevents we expect to be in Richmond by the
15th of May.
Friday, April 28th. Still in camp. We havo assigned
us another team, making two for the regiment. At dress par-
ade the order of march is read, and we expect to go to-morrow.
All are ready and anxious; how we will step it off for home.
Saturday. April 29th. The teams start at 6 a. m. The
regiment at 0:80, taking the road north cheering as we leave
camp. We march slowly and stop for dinner at 11, one and a
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS 'INFANTRY. 3ST
; %\t miles from the city and two miles from camp. At 1 p. m.
& resume the march, and at dark cross the Neuse river on a
>wsjttiM)ii bridge, eight miles from Raleigh, and go into camp one
. mile from the river, having marched ten miles. Received
rd r- to muster for pay to-morrow at 10 a. m. Rainy to-night.
Sunday. April 80th. Clear and pleasant. Mustered for
j*a'y at 10 and attend preaching at 4 p. m.; by Chaplain Rigger.
. *?-iwd orders to move at 7 a. m. to-morrow and were made
fippy by a large mail.
Monday, May 1st. Started at 7 :o0 a. m., with good roads.
Marching slowly we pass through the village of Rolesville; saw
. Efrtffil tnanv yourrs ladies and youne men, possibly ex-rebel
*o!*uVrs, also a Union tlag hung out on a house. It is alreadv
„-;;ming to look like civilization. Marching steady all day,
v.*- ::<> into camp at Louisburg, at 5 p. m. Roads good, country
billy with plenty of good water. Marched twenty miles.
Thursday, May 2nd. Clear and cool. We start at 4:30
;v iu„ pass through Louisburg, it is a beautiful place; part of
•hv city was burned four years ago, but has since been nearly
r-'-l'iiilt: many tine residences are here. A large number of the
':/«!is are mulattos, who crowd to the gates of the house yards
as we go by. We stopped for dinner, ten minutes, at a shady
Stove twenty miles from Louisburg, and then move on seven
h ■. •;• s, gorag into camp at 8 r>. m., and having marched twenty-
***v*$\ oiiles, crossed Sandy and Schocker creeks. Big and Little
fivers, and are ready for supper and the peaceful rest of the
..'M. Orders to move at 5 a. m. to-morrow,
Wednesday, 3rd. Clear and cool. Reveille sounded at
-••**' and we started at 5 a. m., passed Pigeon creek and reached
lit** city of Warrenton, X. C. Saw a great number of ex-rebel
divts, paroled from Lee's army. This is a fine city and has
iS*Miil schools, a female seminarv and a host of nice looking
;• ■■;:'. lf ladies, and a number of negroes — black and white. The
I •"' Uy girls, tidy dwellings and school buildings make us think
home, We march very swiftly; the orders being that the
"*in and 17th corps shall march on different roads, but eross-
: streams on the same pontoons; the corps that first reaches
ooo
HISTORY OF THE
the crossing to have right of way. Our regiment is leading to-
day; if we get to the river first the 17th corps will have to wait.
In advance of the regiment is our sergeant major with one or
two of the boys, mounted ; coming to a point about one half
mile from the Roanoke river, at Robinson's Ferry, where the
two roads intersect, lie saw down that road from the left about
a fourth of a mile, the advance of the 17th corps, in distance
from the intersection about the same as the advance of the 15th
corps. Keeping his men from the sight of the advance of the
17th, he spurred his horse back and informed the Colonel, who
at once ordered, "Forward,
double quick, march." ' The
already tired soldiers, surpri-
sed, quickly obeyed, and the
ance
m^/-r,fj&! W:M\ secl> quicjpy ODeyeci, and t.
df$ii^^M:-0$f flPiLfC""3 day was won by the distan
r i^iy^^sni/ °f haif the ^h °f ^ ^
j^ $# f $ \ez\ $ % > A..//4 -f-l ade . 1
he 17th, meanwhile,
ed what was up.
mmk J|p ^f^W^S^0^ bad ^coverec
t fffr/^^M Sr> m ^$~ aiK* made an attempt to beat
m
us, but without avail. Our
- Vr%m, march to-day is twenty miles.
^J0£MSX^ -^ The pontoons were at once
"^^ brought forward and laid.
Thursday. May 4th. Ordered to move at 5 a. m., which
was countermanded, and at 10 we started, over the pontoon.
As we passed the 17th, camped by the roadside, we doffed our
hats, bidding them good bye, they having to wait two days. At
11 a. m. a short distance from the river, we crossed the line into
"Old Virginia." The first ladies we saw here had never seen the
Union flag, and the Colonel, to oblige them, ordered our flags
unfurled to the breeze. The day was very hot and many of the
boys gave out. At 5:30 we went into camp, having marched
eighteen miles.
Friday, 'May 5th. Cloudy and rainy. Started at 5 a. m.
on the Belltield road. Marched steady and camped at Wyatt's
bridge, on the Mattapony river, at 5 p. m., making twenty-seven
miles. A ration of whiskey is issued to the troops.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 889
Saturday, May 6th. Clear. Left camp at 7 a. ra. and at
i) reached the stage road, about twenty-five miles from Peters-
burg. The country hero has been stripped of all forage by the
♦ nemy, and is very destitute; the soil is poor, and in the aban-
doned fields may be found large quantities of wild onions; our
cattle eat them and the beef is rendered unfit for food. Having
marched seventeen miles, we camp on Stony creek at 4 p. m.
sixteen miles from Petersburg.
Sunday, May 7th. Starting out at 5:80 a. m., we reached
Petersburg, Va., at 12 m. We rambled over the works and' de-
fenses and wondered greatly at, what we thought, the insignifi-
cance of the fortifications as compared with the defences at Sa-
vannah, and especially from Chattanooga, to and around At-
lanta, Ga.. and especially along Nick-a-Jack creek. The ruins
of fort Hell were of particular interest to us. Major Burnham
returned to the regiment to-day from a leave of absence home ;
lie was promoted and mustered as Major at Goldsborough. The
17th corps starts out to-morrow for Alexandria, Va., and the
15th will follow the next day. Our march to-dav is eighteen
miles.
Monday, May 8th. We lay in camp to-day, washing our
clothing tmd visiting the citv. while the 17th corps moves out;
they having the right of wav over the pontoon.
Tuesday, 9th. Cloudy. We started at 8 a. m., passed
through the city, crossing the Appomattox at 9 o'clock; march-
ing- eleven miles on the Richmond pike, in the rain, we go into
camp at 8 p. m. in some old artillery barracks.
"Wednesday, 10th. Starting at 7 a. m. The cry is heard,
wOn to Richmond," repeated time and again. We pass through
three lines of earthworks and camp at 12 o'clock m., within
two and a half miles of the citv, having marched seven miles.
(Here we found the 17th corps camped near the river, at the edg^}
of Manchester, a citv on the opposite side of the river from
Richmond. Many soldiers of the 17th corps, desirous of
seeing Richmond, started for that city, but were confronted
1 by the provost guard, dressed in fine uniforms, white gloves
and oaper collars, (at the edge of the city of Manchester)
890
HISTORY OF THE
who would not permit them to pass. Always mindful of the
duty required of guards, the boys sat down by the roadside to
ponder over the situation ; their numbers wore constantly in-
creased by members of the Fiftieth and other regiments, and
the desire to visit Richmond was strong. The guard, seeing the
increasing number, sent for reinforcements, and in a few mo-
ments a detachment of one sergeant and a dozen or so of guards,
marched to the post and formed across the road. This caused
the bovs from the western army to smile, such a smile as could
be heard quite a distance. The officer of the day, mounted,
rode up and demanded that the men disperse and return to their
commands, at the same time directing the guards to stand al a
ready and, if necessary, to fire. Of course the order was with-
out sense, and thus threatened, some rough and ready hit the
officer with a brick, knocking him off his horso, and the boys
went through — the guards being swept away like chaff; the town
was soon full of soldiers, and in a few moments, word having
been sent to the troops, hundreds could be seen hastening to
join in the fun. As the bovs rushed onto the bridge over the
James river, they were confronted by a piece of artillery on the
opposite side, and were finally prevailed on to return to camp,
which they did, with the parting injunction to the guards, "Go
to your feather beds, you tra-la-las, and don't sleep in your
white gloves and paper collars."
Thursday, 11th, was clear. As the 14th and 20th corps
moved out for the North, a division of the 24th turned out to
receive them as they passed. Many were the odd expressions
from the boys as they marched by the handsome line of troops.
At night it rained very hard and turned cold. We had expect-
ed to reach Richmond on the 15th, supposing the march would
be made by easy stages, but the 10th found us here.
Friday, 12th. Clear and cold. We got up wet this mor-
ning, and early in the day the 17th corps started out. As they
passed through the city of Richmond there was no such review
or reception as was given to the troops on yesterday. To-mor-
row we go.
Saturday, 10th. Up ajb 8:30 a. m. Clear and warm; a
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 891
beautiful day. We started at 6:80 for Manchester and found
ih>- pontoon bridge over the James washed away, detaining us
two hours. The hoys, while waiting, in a spirit of fun, looted
a huckster store, securing a supply of ginger bread, and we then
passed over the pontoon at 9 a. m., marching by Castle Thunder
n'.xi Libby Prison ; then up into i he city, by the capitol and
6t»n. Lee's residence, then out on the Brooktown pike towards
Hanover Court House, twenty miles, over very bad roads, and
stop to rest on the banks of the Chickahominy river. The pro-
vision train not coming up until late.
Sunday, 14th. Clear. We start at 6 a. m., marching in
&ft easterly direction Eve miles and camp near Hanover House.
This Court House is said to be 130 years of age, the brick was
brought from England. Here Patrick Henry made his famous
speech, closing with "Give me liberty or give me death." The
14th, 17th and 20th corps are here, detained in crossing the Pa-
munky river, which is very high, and while we wait the sur-
rounding country is scurried over by thousands, curious to note
the places where the desperate battles of 1862 were f ought-
Monday, 15th. Clear and pleasant. The 4th division
are in the rear to-day, and the Fiftieth in rear of all. We start
at 0 a. m. and march four miles, rest for dinner, starting again
at 2 p. UK, and after a five mile march past Concord Church
and Cleveland Hotel, camp at about G p. m.
Tuesday, IGth. We marched twenty miles to-day, pass-
ing through Bowling Green, and twelve miles from Port Royal,
near the place where J. Wilkes Booth was killed, going into
camp at G p.m., on Mill creek, near the Mattapony river,
Wednesday, 17th. Clear and hot. Started at 5 a. in.
Marched steady and very fast. We reached Fredericksburg
at 12 o'clock m. Here two artillery horses dropped dead and
many of the men gave out. Rested near the city until 2 p. m.,
and then crossed the Rappahannock river, above town, on a
pontoon bridge; marching five miles farther wo camp on the
banks of Potomac Run. Col. Hanna is stricken down, over-
come by the heat and fatigue of the march, and falling by the
roadside is conveyed in an ambulance. We have covered twt'ii-
802 HISTORY OF THE
ty-three miles, but many of the boys have fallen by the wayside
from the heat.
Thursday, 18th. Starting at 5:80 we march slowly fur
three hours, then very rapidly ; crossing Acquia creek, we pass
through the town of Dumfries, the second oldest town in the
state. In the midst of a terrific rain storm we cross the Oqua-
can creek, which was rising very fast, so that by the time the
color company had reached the stream its waters were waist
deep. So rapid was the rise that the rear company did not cross,
and with many of the boys, who from heat had dropped out.
camped on the south side. The march to-day was twenty-two
miles. ,
Friday, 19th. We start at 0:80; road very muddy. The
hills have a covering of Laurel bushes, which, when in bloom,
present a beautiful appearance; many of the boys dig up the
roots out of which to make mementos of the march. Passing
numerous creeks and runs, we go into camp four miles from
Alexandria at 9 o'clock, p. m., in a pouring rain.
Saturday, 20th. Raining. Starting at 9 a. m. and mov-
ing slowly we pass through Alexandria and go into camp at 8
p. m. We have come from Richmond, 140 miles since the 18th,
and our regiment shows the result of a very hard march. Some
officer is responsible for this needless haste and subsequent ii!
health resulting therefrom, We see quite a number of Potomac
Army officers here. They are splendid looking ereatuivs, and
move about with head up as if there was no use for other fel-
lows to be around. "Gee-whiz'1 don't they feel big.
Sunday, 21st. Raining. Remain in camp ; received a
good mail. Boys got passes and visited the town ; saw the j,
Marshall House, where Ellsworth fell, and other points of in-
terest. It is amusing to observe these Potomac fellows. They
think "Sherman's Wolves," as they call us, are worse than the
"old fellow himself," The Manchester escapade had preceded
us. As made up "the wolves1' do not present a very soldierly
sight; barefooted as many are, with most of the army nearly
nearly so, ragged pants, tied around the legs, or pinned together
with sticks; hair sticking through their hats; all looking lean
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
393
I
and hungry ; some with barely enough clothes to cover them, it
[* hardly a matter of wonder that these neatly dressed, fat. well
k»»j>{ soldiers of the Potomac looked at their western comrades
with something akin to disgust, and say ''those are some of
Sherman's men."' We have no guard duty to do, and the camp
resounds with mirth ; although hungry, no complaint is hoard.
Monday, 22nd. Clear and warm. Drew some clothing
to-day, and learned that preparations are being made for a
u'raud review. The Potomac army are to be reviewed on the
L^rd, and on the following clay ''Sherman's Bummers" will
inarch into the city and do up the lordly, soft-bread and butter
and paper collared 'Totomacers.'' To-day our sergeant major
receives his appointment as such, lie has been acting since
August last; Sergeant Major Deviny having been absent on de-
tached duty, recruiting for the 1st Alabama. The papers eon-
earning his discharge having been detained somewhere while on.
the march through Georgia last fall.
Tuesday, 23rd. Clear. Pulled up stakes at 7 a. m., and
moved out at 9 o'clock for Washington, via the Long Bridge.
At 1 p. m. we go into bivouac, near the bridge, having marched
five miles. We drew quite a lot of clothing to-day, and the
time is spent in getting into good shape for to-morrow. The
boys do not feel very well pleased with the prospect of passing
in review in tin: greatest of ail reviews the world has ever seen
clad in. old and worn out uniforms, and having drawn only a
part of the clothing necessary, it is found that the contrast
between the poorly and better dressed is still more marked.
Here we find to-day the Potomac army well clothed and in ap-
pearance, entitled to be looked upon as the pride of the nation,
passing in review. A splendid sight indeed. Now look at us,
there is not enough clothing for us all, and so it is issued out
a.- needed most. Here is a fellow with new hat and new shoes,
pants worn oiT nearly to the knees, with, his coat in nearly as
bad condition, possibly sleeveless. Here's a "bummer" sport-
ing a new pair of pants, too large, rolled up at the bottom,
while his "bimky" has a new coat. Tis with somewhat of dis-
eust that we dun our new garnuMits, knowing that we would
(25)
/
894 HISTORY 01s THE
present a more uniform appearance in our old, ragged, greasy
and worn out clothing, than in the half and half style which
now characterizes our make-up. Tins description is of thi«
Fiftieth, and of course represents Sherman's army. However
the boys put on the best feeling they could and got ready their
equipments as best they could. The few of the boys that were
favored by witnessing the parade of the Potomac fellows re-
turned to camp saying "well, they are no great shakes any way
in marching."
Wednesday, May 24th. At daylight, with the regiment
counted into eight companies, we fall in, and with arms at will
and route step, we pass over the Long Bridge into the city of
Washington. -As we pass along the streets in our non-chalant
way, to the place of rendezvous or formation, we are not wor-
ried at the look of amusement that is expressed in the counte-
i
nances of our eastern friends. They evidently thinking to have
great sport from us to-day from our ragged and dirty look and
careless, swinging gait, some one along the way, probably desi-
ring to hear from some friend who has soldiered in a western
regiment, and which is possibly in line to-day, calls out "What
regiment is that*?" and receives this answer, in a very doleful
voice, "The same old regiment, only we've got new clothes."
Which reply, as humorous as it is doleful, brings out cheers
from the observers. Marching out past the eapitol, the head of
column turns to the right one-fourth mile, then left one mile,
then left one mile, then left three-fourths of a mile, then left
one-half mile and halt, closing up in mass, and stack arms at
about 8 o'clock a. m. At 9 o'clock sharp the signal gun is fired,
and the head of the column is put in motion as follows:
General Sherman and staif, followed by General 0. 0.
Howard. Then General John A. Logan at the head of trie 15th
A. C, now consisting of the 1st, 2nd and*4th divisions; then
the 17th A. 0., followed by the 20th and 14th corps. As we turn
into Pennsylvania avenue, what a splendid sight greets our eyes
— passing the eapitol at 9 :80, down the street in our front are
the 1st and 2nd divisions, with their company lines reaching
across the street,all moving-. with that solid, uniform tread born
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
895
..lilvout of long practice. Glancing along the sides of the street,
tin* countless thousands show an amazed look in their faces to see
,uch marching from such a dirty, unkempt body of men. And
n*w we realize, as we never did before, the benefit of the hard
drilling over which we have grumbled so much in the past four
vears. We realized also, and it so seemed to us all, that the
honor of Sherman's army was at stake — that the reputation of
our dear "Uncle Billy," as a commander, rested upon each one
of our shoulders, — and that we would honor the trust, only by
that unity of , motion as would rob the thousands from all
thought of our ragged and uncouth appearance. Merging every
thing in the one grand verdict, which in the end, sprung from
• •very heart and lip, that the so-called "Sherman's Bummers"
were the finest soldiers of the grandest army of modern times.
On every side we could hear the enthusiastic cry, "What regi-
ment is that?" "Oh! oh!! see what marching!" From house
t«>ps and windows along the way, crowded with people, fluttered
many liags and handkerchiefs, while a wealth of roses and
flowers in bunches and wreaths, were thrown tons as we passed;
many of them falling into the streets, so that, in fact, our path-
way was strewn with these fragrant .messengers of a people's joy.
On many of the government buildings were hung out pa-
triotic emblems, evidence of a joyous welcome, anil as we pass-
ed the Treasury Building, high upon its side we saw painted in
large letters, "The only debt the NATION can never pay is that
of gratitude to its defenders."
At ten a. m. the Fiftieth drew near the review stand, on
which was President Johnson; a little to his rear and left stood
"Uncle Billy" having taken his stand to review us for the last
tinu>. As we neared the stand the boys of the Fiftieth could
almost hear him say "here comes the Allatoona boys. There's
the Blind Half Hundred/' As we passed the stand no prouder
set of men ever lived than those who marched by under the
shadow of the Fiftieth Hag, and having passed the White House
we wheeled to the right, and thence marched out to camp near
the soldier's home, three miles away, we felt that our last great
work was done, and well done. Wo went into camp alter 2 p.
390 HISTORY OF TRfi
m., having halted but twice since 9 a. m., and then but for »
few moments. This march was very hard, causing many of the-
boys to have blistered feet.
On the 25th the baggage train was brought over from.
Arlington. With the wagons came a squad of the boys who
were so nearly destitute of clothing that they were compelled
to ride in the wagons hidden from public observation.
May 20th. Rainy. Have a guard around the brigade
to-day. Men allowed out only on passes to visit the city.
May 27th. Major Burnham returned to the regiment
from leave of absence, and agents of the Christian Commissi. m
also visited our camp. They must have been greatly impress d
with our dilapidated appearance as we passed in review, and de-
livered to us one barrel of onions, one barrel of pickles, two
\ barrels of potatoes, five barrels of dried apples, six cases of two
dozen each of canned fruit, and combs enough for each one in
the regiment. This being the first time the commission have
■DJ
had the opportunity to minister to our needs (except at Kings-
ton, on the return from Allatuona), it was greatly appreciated.
May 28th. In camp. Company officers drew wall tents. :
and received orders for daily drill, with dress parade at 0:80.
On the 29th our division train is turned over to Q. M..
and we learn that we are to be sent to Louisville, Ky. Dress
parade attended by many people.
Tuesday, 80th. The ambulances are turned in to-day,
and the 2nd division starts on trains for Louisville, Ky. Gen.
Sherman's farewell is issued and read to the troops,
Washington, D. C, May 80th, 1805.
Special Field Order No. 70.
The General commanding announces to the armies of the
Tennessee and Georgia that the time has come for us t<> part:
our work is done and armed enemies no longer defy us.
Some of you will be retained in service until further
orders; and now that we are about to separate, to mingle with
the civil world, it becomes a pleasing duty to recall to mind th<
situation of national affairs.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
397
When but little more than a year ago we were gathered
about the twining cliffs, of Lookout mountain, and all the fu-
ture was wrapped in doubt and uncertainty, three armies had
run!,' together from distant fields, with separate histories, yet
l«»und by one common cause, the union of our country, and the
perpetuation of the Government of our inheritance.
There is no need to recall
to your memories Tunnell
Hill, with its rocky face
mountain and Buzzard
Roost Gap, with the ugly
forts of Daiton behind. We
were in earnest, and paused
not for danger and difficulty.
but dashed through Snake
Creek Gap, and fell on lies- Mf^
imt
acca, then on to the Etowah
to. Dallas^ Kenesaw, and the
heats of summer found us
on the banks of the Chat-
tahooche, far from home,
and dependent on a single
road for supplies.
Again Ave were not hold
back by any obstacles, and
crossed over and fought four v^sssss^^^yte^
heavy battles for the possession of the citadel of Atlanta.
That was the crisis of our history. A doubt still clouded our
future, but we solved the problem and destroyed Atlanta, struck
boldly across the State of Georgia, secured all the main arteries
of life to our enemy, and Christmas found us at Savannah.
Waiting there only long enough to till our wagons, we
again began our march, which for peril, labor and results will
compare with any ever made bv an organized army: the floods
of the Savannah, the swamps of the Combahee and Edisto, the
high hills and rooks of the Sautes, the flat quagmires of the
Peedee and Onpe Fear riverswete. all passed in n: id- winter, with
>
80S
HISTORY OF Tin.
its floods and ruins, in the face of an accuixrLn i.t:ng enemv, and
after the battle of A verys borough and BentonTiHeweoncemor-
came out of the wilderness to meet our fri-:..^ at Goldsboro.
Even then we paused only long enough to get new cloth-
ing to re-load uur wagons and again pushed on to Raleigh, ami
beyond, until we get our enemy sueing for peace instead of war,
and offering to submit to the injured laws of W:?. and our coun-
try. As long as that enemy was defiant, nor mountains, nor
rivers, nor swamps, nor hunger, nor cold checked us, but when
he who had fought us hard and persistently offered submission,
your General thought it wrong to pursue him further, and ne-
gotiations followed which resulted as you all know in his sur-
render.
How far the operations of the army have contributed to
the overthrow of the confederacy, to the peace which now dawns
on us, must be judged by others, not by us; but that you have
done all that men could do has been admitted by those in au-
thority, and we have a right to join in the universal joy that
fills the land because the war is over, and our Government
stands vindicated before the world by the joint action of the
volunteer armies of the United States.
To such as remain in the military service your General
would only remind you that successes in the past are O.iw to
hard work and discipline, and that the same work and. disci-
pline are equally important in the future. To such as go home
1 would only say that our favored country is so grand, so ex-
tensive, so diversified in climate, soil, and productions, that
every man can surely find a home and occupation suited to his
tastes, and none should yield to the natural impotence sure to
result from our past life of excitement and adventure.
You will l)e invited to seek new adventure abroad; fait
do not yield to the temptation, for it will lead only to death
and disappointment.
Your General now bids you all farewell with the full be-
lief that as in war you have been good soldiers, so in peace you
will make good citizens, and if unfortunately a new war should
arise in our country, Sherman's army will be the first to buckh
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
mi the old armor and come forth to defend and maintain the
Government of our inheritance and choice. By order of
W. T. SHERMAN,
h. M. Dayton, Major General.
Assistant Adjutant General.
June 1st. We are ordered to have four days rations pre-
pared, which is soon countermanded.
June 2nd. Clear and very warm. Ordered to draw seven
days rations and prepare them for use. Dre^s parade at 6:30
p. m., and orders to move at 8:80 a. m. to-morrow, kept us busy
trotting ready. Gen. Grant's farewell was issued and read to
the regiment at a later day,
Washington, P. C, June 2nd, 1865.
General Order, ^
No. 108. S
Soldiers of the Armies of the United States:
By your patriotic devotion to your country in the hour
of danger and alarm, your magnificent fighting, bravery and
endurance, you have maintained the supremacy of the Union
and the Constitution, overthrown all armed opposition to the
'■nforcement of thefevs, and of the proclamations forever abol-
n»hing Slavery — the cause and pretext of the rebellion — and
opened the way to the rightful authorities, to restore order and
inaugurate peace on a permanent and enduring basis on every
foot of American soil. Your marches, seiges and battles, in
distance, duration, resolution and brilliancy of results, dim the
lustre of the world's past military achievements, and will be
the patriot's precedent in defense of liberty and right in all
time to come. In obedience to your country's call, you left
your., homes and families and volunteered in its defense. Vic-
tory has crowned your valor and secured the purpose of your
patriotic hearts; and with the gratitude of your countrvmen
and the highest honors a great and free nation can accord, you
will soon be permitted to return to your homes and families,
'■onscious of haying discharged tie' highest duty of American
400
HISTORY OF THE
citizens. To achieve these glorious triumphs and secure to
yourselves, your fellow countrymen and posterity the blessings
of free institutions, tens of thousands of your gallant comrades
have fallen and sealed the priceless legacy with their lives. Tho
graves of these a grateful nation bedews with tears, honor their
memories, and will ever cherish and support their str*ickeu
families.
U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant General.
Saturday, 3rd. Tents and baggage loaded by C a. m. and
sent to Baltimore depot ■; at 0:80 a. m. we fall in and march to
the depot near i\\v Capitol. Pari of the 2nd brigade with the
7th Illinois and company E and F of the Fiftieth made up tin-
first train and started out; before they had fairly got under
headway and in front of the Capitol, the locomotive ran off the
track from a mis-placed switch, crushing several cars, killing
two men and wounding four more ; at 9 o'clock p. m., we got
started and woke up at daylight, on the 4th, found we had
only made forty-odd miles, and had passed over the ground
where the great raid was made into Pennsylvania. At Sandy
Hook a wagon load of bread was thrown into the cars for the
boys in the same manner as food is thrown to hogs. At Cum-
berland we received hot eoiTe<>, bread and meat, then proceed-
ing on our way, stopped several times through the night for
trains to pass. We passed over the Aleghenies during the night,
reaching Cheat river at daylight, where we stopped three hours.
The boys formed in two lines and with the leather buckets that
hung around the side of tie1 tender filled the nearly empty
boiler. Fifteen trains for Washington passed us while here. At
Grafton, which we reached at 11 a. m., we found long tables
built along the railroad track. Many fires were burning, in
which were large stones, by tie:1 side of the fires are barrels e^i
collet' into which these hot stones are plunged, and we have hot
coffee and bread and meat in abundance. Hero we stopped un-
til 11 p. in., when we proceeded, avftaking just as we enter Park.,
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
401
orshurg on the morning of the (5th, to find boats waiting to take
us down the river.
The brigade at once began to embark and at 9 a. m.
found us on board, the right wing boarded the steamer Blue
Wing No. 8, while the left was on Caliope Xo. 3. Six miles
down the river we. with several other boats, grounded on a sand
bar. By dint of poling or sparring, (lifting the front end of
the boat by placing one end of the huge spars carried by the
boat for the purpose on the bottom of the river, one on either
side of the boat, and hoisting the boat by block and tackle
affixed to the upper end and shifting the load, propelling her
at the same time), the boats were carried over some of the
shallow places only to become more securely grounded on
others. While in this condition the Darling came down and
passed safely over the bar, as did also the steamer Cottage
Xo. 2. The Darling then pulled off three boats and went
on. This being too much for the boys to be left in this
way, they proposed to get out and walk; so stripping off their
clothes many of them jumped out and wading to the shore,
started down the river for Louisville, sans clothing, sans every-
thing. It was amusing to watch them as they tramped along
the river bank, sometimes singly, and sometimes in squads.
Upon approaching a dwelling they would take to the water like
ducks, or creep along under shelter of the river bank. The
steamer being thus lightened, proceeded safely over the shoal
water and stopping below, took the men aboard. Forty-five
miles below the troops were transferred to other and larger
boats; the right of the regiment boarding the Darling and the
left the Westmoreland. Fifteen or twenty miles farther down
the boats tied up for the night; the Darling at the village of
Ohio, and the Westmoreland at Galipolis.
Wednesday, 7th. Clear. At daylight the boats cast
loose and with all in good spirits, started down, coaling at 10
a. m. While the Darling was coaling the Westmoreland passed
her, and then began a boat-race — the Darling slowly gaining
upon her, but owing to the low stage of water it was not
found advisable to attempt to pass, until about o o'clock
402
HISTORY OF THE
p. m. when the Darling made the attempt on the right hand
side of the river. As the boat forged ahead and was be-
ginning to swing into the center of the stream, the boys
crowded to the side nearest the opposition steamer to bid
their comrades good bye; the sudden rush and shifting of
the load to that side, careened the boat so that the right
or star-board wheel was raised entirely out of water, and
the left or port wheel was so deeply submerged that it propelled
the boat around to the right and onto a sandbar, where she
stuck while the Westmoreland went speeding by. As the boat
began to careen the bar-keeper grabbed up his books and dashed
to, the upper rail ready to spring into the river, while the offi-
cers of the boat at once directed the men to move over and
equalize the load..- — in other words, to trim ship — there being
great danger from the over-heated boilers. Quickly releasing
the boat the men were quartered in sections and the race pro-
ceeded. "Pass her or bust,1' was the word, and from the dense
smoke it could be seen that every effort was to be made to suc-
ceed. The race was soon ended, for one and a half miles far-
ther the Westmoreland was passed and the Darling in the lead.
Reaching Cincinnati at 9 p. m. we remained until 11, and then
proceeded on our way. Here several of the boys had friends,
and were left behind.
^^^^^ Having run slowly the rest
"7 "^^^g^s^^ of the night we reached Louis-
i ville at noon on the 8th of
S*Uj June, and landed, the West-
moreland arriving a few mo-
ments later. Marched out east
:-T''-:vce- V : £ v, of the city and went into camp
5 </V';e> near the- Woodlandrace course.
..unping on a hill called Ridge-
~^*k£sL
foS/^rss 7 /\ Ay \
i u t 'i can
Js&'^J.K&fte wav; with our little dog tent
'• " we fixed up in good shane our
TALKING IT OVER. lagfc rt,gujar cainp and settled
down to enjoy life as best we could and talk it over; water was
very scarce, weather pleasant and roads clustv. How different is
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
-10:3
camp life now to what it was a few weeks ago. Now we cannot
forage; we cannot burn rails, nor cut timber, but must be con-
tent with having our rations of wood issued to us as other com-
missary stores: straw also, if we need it. Our rations are
plenty, but are the same as of old, except we have added to it
soft bread; our duty light, consisting of camp, brigade and
division guard.
The 9th we spent in cleaning up camp, and Lieut. McNeai
of company H, wounded at Allatoona, came back to us; he was
warmly welcomed.
June 10th. The 4th. division was invited to attend a race
at the track. Legal Tender and Asteroid, of national fain/?,
were two of the famous horses that made the races, through the
mud and in the rain. Tt may have been a pleasant thing for
some of the command to be invited to this race, but to us who
were compelled to stand in the rain, and plod back to camp in
the mud, it was not so very pleasing.
Sunday, 11th. A large detail for division guard. Major
Burnham is detailed as provost marshal of the -1th division, 15th
A. C. The days pass by in comparative idleness until the 16th,
when the officers finding the time hangs heavy on their hand.-.
discuss the relative merits of their respective brigades, and fin-
ally decide to settle the Question by a test drill for the cham-
pionship of the division : the victors to receive a beautiful prize
banner, to be purchased by contributions from the officers of
the division. Now it has been said that "satan finds some
mischief still for idle hands to i\o^ and as at this time also, the
chuck-a-luck players are having plenty of leisure time, they
were interested in their sports. Over the hills to the rear was
quite a number of short, deep hollows, outside the limits of our
camp. In one of these hollows named by the boys "chuck-a-
luck hollow, " they would gather and engage in their favorite
pastime of chuck-a-luck, honest John and poker. And to dis-
continue the practice it was the duty of our camp police or
patrol to arrest any one found gambling. To insure secrecy
and safety, a sentinel would lie posted in some suitable spot
on either side o\' the location, whose duty it was, upon the an-
1
404
HISTORY OF THE
proach of an officer or some suspicious person, to give a warn-
ing whistle or some preconcerted signal by which means the
boys, when discovered, would be found looking over papers, or
writing, or engaged in some such occupation : as the patrols and
officers on this scouting duty were members of the Blind Half
Hundred, it looks as though they were a "little blirrd" at thi.^
particular time; any way very few, if any, arrests were made.
Saturday, 17th. Clear and pleasant. Ordered to clean
up camp and prepare for inspection to-morrow.
Sunday, June 18th. Clear. Sunday morning inspection.
Quite a number of visitors from the city and surrounding camps
tot witness the same old routine. The inspection passed off
creditably and sixty-two men were excused from duty for hav-
ing their arms and accoutrements in good condition, as appears
by the following order:
Headquaivteks 50th Illinois Infantry,
Midgeway, Ky>, June ISih. tSGo.
Special Order
No. 32,
The following enlisted men of tiie 50tli Ills. Infcy Vols., are hereby
excused from all duty except dress parade and roll call, for the period of six
(6) days, for their soldierly bearing and the fine condition of their amis and ac-
coutrements on inspection this a m.
Henry C. Cecil, Private Company A Daniel Smart, Private Company K
Willi j im Tout, " A
E/.ekiah Kendal! , '< A
Alexander Odair, '* A
John Minton, 'k A
John Crank, " A
Robert Snowden, " A
James Hodges, " A
Charles F. Birdsali " C
Geo. A: Bucklin, " C
William Sackett, •' C
James Kelly, '' C
Enoch Smith, ■' C
A nod Lewis, •' C
Southel Colons, " C
John Ljtlc, <l D
Seth Thomas, " D
Chas. Metis, " D
JSbettezer Foreman
Jchn Denny
Calvin Covert
Huston Kan ad ay
Ebenezer Lewis
Benjamin Hums
William Thomas
Charles Baggs
Junius Morrison
Charles Trogdpti
Joseph Lasley
John Morgan
Joseph Hush man
Marshal Laun
Joseph Lynn
Jose]>h Foryer
Jasper Knock
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
405
Joseph Parker, Private, Company D
Joseph T. Lease,
James Jackson,
William Goodnight
Robert Conaday
John Boyer
Nathan Crystal
Elijah Adney
Joseph Warner
Harvey Ward
David Carr
Robert Covert
Frank Bryant
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John Hoops
Terry McGee
James S. Laysoii
D. J. Gregory
— Coffman
James Mofday
John A. Mahaffy
Edwin Beetiy
Mathevv S. Claybaugh
Charles Huston
Richard Hammond
Frank Taylor
John Gibbens
Private, Company G
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By order of
WILLIAM HANNA,
Lieut. Col. Commanding 50th Ills. Infantry.
C. F. Huceet,
Sergeant Major and Acting Adjutant.
Preaching in the afternoon, and rain closes the dav.
Monday, 19th. Clear and pleasant. After guard mount-
ing came battalion drill on the parade ground.
Tuesday, 20th. Guard mounting at brigade headquar-
ters. Furloughs received for twenty of the boys, and on the
21st some of the furloughed boys start for home. Orders are
received that furloughs, will be granted to twelve per cent, of
present strength of the regiment.
Thursday, 22nd. The preparations for a Prize Drill to
take place on July 3rd, at Woodland Course, having been com-
pleted, notice of the same is convoyed to the troops and the
general expectation is that the Fiftieth will be selected *as one
of the competitors.
Saturday, 24th. Cleaning up camp for inspection; eight
months pay is being received to-day.
Sunday, 25th. The Paymaster finished up paying this
morning, after which was inspection and drill. Received com-
missions for officers of companies F, 1 and II, and muster rolls
for our recruits.
On the 26th we had battalion drill in skirmish move-
ment which was not verv good.
I
•
400
HISTORY OF THE
Tuesday, 27th. Nothing of interest except drilling for
the 3rd. The ground not. being very favorable for practicing
battalion movements, we are marched out to a field in the
woods where we put in the time, even by moonlight. All passes
to the citv are refused until after the 3rd. Col. Hanna's blood
■'■..,
is up and so is his regiment. Rainy, but no matter, on June
2Sth nothing save drill and preparing for the 3rd. The men
are in earnest, and will win.
June 29th. Drawing clothing for the drill and buying
white gloves. We learn to-day that the prize is a beautiful silk
banner costing $300.
June 30th. Our last regular drill, also our best one.
That Banner is Ours!
Saturday, July 1st. The officers and men of the Fiftieth
are getting up a purse for a sword for Col. Hanna, to be pre-
sented him at the prize drill. Commission as Adjutant receiv-
for Sergeant Major C. F. Hubert, for which he is warmly con-
gratulated.
Sunday, July 2nd. Clear. The Sabbath not much oft-
served as the regiment is getting ready for the drill to-morrow.
The Colonel could not sleep well without putting us through
our facings, and so had a little, just a little, drill, after dress
parade this p. m.
In preparing this work the fact stands out that the hon-
ors conferred by this test drill were, in many respects, of the
highest importance. It demonstrates, in the highest sense, the
'soldierly bearing, as well as training, of the Fiftieth, and attes-
ted bv fact incontrovertible, the careful manner in which the
officers, field and line, had performed their duty. It is deemed
most fitting that the story of the drill and victory shall be pre-
served, and to this end the following letter, describing the same,
is given. Under date of July 5th, 1SG5, a member of the regi-
ment, and a participant, writes:
"On the morning of the 3rd, at 9 a. m., we fell in line
and marched to the race course. The division, in battle order,
escorting the three competing regiments to the drill ground.
"As we came on the track we wheeled into column by
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
407
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companies, and marched past the Judge's Stand, and never was
-ecu a prettier sight. On the stand was Brevet Major General
A. Baird and Brevet Major General A. J. Williams of the regu-
lar army, and Brevet Brigadier General A. Hickenlooper of the
volunteers. With them stood Gens. John A. Logan our corps
commander, and John M. Corse our division commander, and
other officers.
''In our regiment every man held his head square to the
front, and one standing at either flank could not have seen two
inches difference in the allignment of any rank. All had nice
caps on and white gloves, and equipments in good order and all
stepped off alike. The judges were heard to remark "where are
your regulars that can beat that?"
"The next move was the manual of arms. First came
the. 7th Iowa, of the 1st brigade, who did fine firing. The next
was the 63rd Illinois, of the '2nd brigade, a fine regiment. Their
execution in the manual was excellent; only one or two com-
mands being executed poorly. Then came the Blind Half, of
the Brd brigade. We marched up in front of the judges, halted,
came to a front and ordered arms. Then you could see the
regulars look at each Other. Next, shoulder arms, right shoul-
der shift arms; and tin1 audience began to clap their hands;
then the loading," and hands were clapped, feet stamped, and
cheers resounded from the immense crowd. This part of the
drill finally ended with firing blank cartridges. All went well,
but one company making a slight error in loss of time.
''Then we marched off the drill ground amid cheers, and
feeling that we had gained two points, namely, in manual of
arms and general appearance.
"Next came battalion movements. The 7th Iowa did
well ; (their line of battle in double quick cannot lie excelled.)
The 63rd Illinois was hard to beat ; but our regiment, I am
proud to say, excelled.
''Such is the opinions as expressed by all witnesses, civil
and military."
A brief outline of the record of the competing regiments
will be in order here. The record of the 7th Iowa is well known
408
HISTORY OF THE
to the members of the Fiftieth. It having belonged to the 1st
brigade and the Fiftieth to the 3rd brigade from the organiza-
tion, early in 1802, of the 2nd division of the left wing of the
16th A. C, until September 27th, 1864, when the division was
assigned to the 15th A. C, as the 1th division. General John
M. Corse commanding.
There is no need to mention the merits of the 7th Iowa,
or why it was selected to represent the 1st brigade. But as the
63rd Illinois had been attached to our division but a few weeks,
it will be proper to give a brief record of their service.
As will be remembered this test drill was for the cham-
pionship of the division. The 03rd had seen service in Mower's
brigade of the 17th, A. C, at Vicksburg, and later in the 1st
brigade 7th division of the same corps. The division being as-
signed, October 7th, 1863, to the 15th corps, as the 3rd division,
and participating in the battle of Mission Ridge ; was with Sher-
man in the march to the sea and through the Carolinas, and
while at Goldsborough, N. C, was complimented by the Inspec-
tor General of the Army of the Tennessee for the appearance
of the camp and soldierly bearing of the men, On the 25th of
April the 3rd division was discontinued and the 03rd was as-
signed to the 2nd brigade, 4th division, 15th A. C, the brigaie
commanded by Brig. Gen. William II. Clark.
Notwithstanding the seemingly good fortune which pre-
vailed in the regiment over the certainty of success, there was
something like a chill of dismay in the ranks when at the con-
clusion of the drill, General Rowett rode up to the Colonel and
gravely ordered him to consider himself under arrest, and take
his position in rear of his regiment. Surrendering his com-
mand to Capt. Rickart. the Colonel rode to the rear as ordered,
while the regiment marched away to the judges stand, where
it was formed in closed columns by divisions. The feeling of
humiliation and disgrace was deep and profound. It seemed
as though the arrest of the Colonel was without cause, for he
had ever been a brave, as well as an obedient officer. Why this
blow, at the very end of his service, should be given him was
more than the men who loved him could understand. The hot
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 409
blood of indignation leaped to their faces, and the signs of
trouble were ominous, when all at once the Colonel was reques-
ted to come to the front and center of the regiment, and the
*iionee was broken by Chaplain Bigger, who, addressing the
Colonel, spoke as follows:
'•Colonel Hanna: The officers and soldiers of the Fifti-
eth Illinois Infantry Veteran Volunteers, appreciating your
patriotism, prompting you to leave the comforts of home for
the perils of the camp and dangers of the battlefield, your cour-
age upon the many hard fought and bloody battlefields rang-
ing from Fort Donelson to Benton ville ; the zeal and energy
with which you have so successfully exerted yourself in devel-
oping the military capabilities of your command ; your con-
stant devotion to all the interests pertaining to our mutual
welfare, social and physical, your pure and unsullied private
character; desire to confirm their profession of personal esteem
by some suitable token as a seal of their attachment and de-
votion. I have the honor, sir, in their name, to present to you
this magnificent sword as a memorial of the past, hoping that
as a nation, we may never be compelled to draw the sword
either to preserve our integrity, defend our honor or avenge
our wrongs. This belt when it may encircle your body, may
you remember yon are begirt and sustained by the confidence
and affection of the officers and men of your regiment, who
have shared your trials and enjoy your honors.
' "This beautiful cartridge box and belt, we, in presenting
would share with you in receiving; a grateful remembrance of
our relation to the gallant 15th Army Corps, whose history is
written without defeat.
"Colonel, we are proud of your patriotism, proud of your
courage, proud of your private and social virtues and excellen-
cies. May your future be as bright as your past, and long may
you live to enjov what you have won as a reward of your toil
and your blood.''
The Colonel briefly replied as follows :
"Officers and soldiers of the Fiftieth; It is impossible
lor mo to find language strong enough to express my thankful-
(26)
410 HISTORY OF THE
ness and gratification. 1 return to you my sincere thanks for
the beautiful present made to me at this time, and the flatter-
ing terms with which it was conveyed. J have always aimed to
discharge my duty to my government and toward all men,
more especially those under my immediate control.
"This valuable sword is to me a pleasing evidence that 1
have not totally failed. What makes it still more pleasant is
to receive it from the rani: aud file of a regiment whose history
is as glorious as that of any other organization in the service.
"Gentlemen, my highest pride is that I hold an honora-
ble position in the Fiftieth Illinois Infantry.
"You know that I can't make a speech.
"In conclusion, allow me to say again, gentlemen, I thank
you; trusting that nothing may ever occur to cloud the good
feeling we mutually bear one to another."
And then the regiment marched away to its quarters the
happiest band of men that ever marched and fought for the
right.
As to the banner and sword, Col. Hanna has them in
keeping at his home in Golden, Illinois.
Not satisfied with the honors already acquired the Fifti-
eth, like Alexander, sighs for more worlds to conquer, and the
following challenge was flung to the winds, with no takers:
SHERMAN'S ARMY, ATTENTION.
In order to encourage an honorable spirit of rivalry
among the different regiments in Sherman's army, Lieut. Col.
Win. Hanna, commanding Fiftieth Illinois Infantry, proposes
to compete with any regiment in Sherman's army in the man-
ual of arms, to take place at Louisville, Ky., on the 31st of
July, 1805. Any regiment in said army which may accept this
proposition, will address communication to Lieutenant Charles
IT. Floyd, through the post-office, or to him at his regimental
headquarters near the race course.
The judges did not make their decision public, but it was
announced that the Banner would be awarded to the victorious
regiment next Thursday at an expected review, This was some-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
411
.
what cf a disappointment to all the troops interested, as "well
us the visitors assembled. Public opinion, however, was pro-
nounced in our favor.
July 4th, 1SG5. Independence day — very hot. At 9 a.
in. we are ordered into lino and march over to division head-
quarters to listen to an address from General Sherman ; remain-
ing until 1 p. m. then return to camp, he failing to arrive. At 4
p.m. we are again marched over to listen to him. His remarks
were gratefully received as he bid us farewell, and every word
uttered by him in the most feeling manner, found a welcoming
reception in our hearts. As lie retired the thousands who list-
ened to him broke out "God bless you Uncle Billy," and to this
he turned and bowed. The day is hot. The sun shines on us
more fiercely than upon any other day of our service that we
have recorded and we suffered from the heat. One of the boys
writing home under date of July 4th, 1865, says:
"This has been the hottest day we have had this season ;
so hot that I have blisters on my ears, burnt bv the sun. Some
of the boys have blisters burnt on their faces and hands. On
the whole we have had a pretty hard 4th of July, but that does
not matter, perhaps we will make it up some other time."
July 5th. Char and very hot. To-day an orderly rides
up to regimental headquarters and delivers a note to the
effect that the Banner has been awarded to the Fiftieth, and
that company B, who are on detached service at division head-
quarters, as guards, are bringing it over to the regiment, and in
a few moments they arrived, bearing the precious prize, and
without form or ceremony delivered it to Colonel Hanna,
Friday, July 7th. Clear. Received orders to prepare for
muster-out.
Saturday, July 8th. Pleasant and hot. Chaplain Big-
ger is stricken down by the heat of sun, but in a short time is
himself again.
Sunday, 9th. Clear. At work on our muster-out rolls.
The 7th Illinois depart for Springfield, Ills., and as they go the
Fiftieth gives them the right hand of comradeship at the part-
ing. The 7th goes hone- with a record unexcelled. From lirst
\
412
HISTORY Or THE
8
■
to last its noble men and gallant officers have struck stalwart
blows for the right.
Tuesday, 11th. Raining; the 7th Iowa leave to-day; as
they start away for good they are greeted with three rousing
cheers. Our rolls are completed. Major Burnham is relieved
as provost marshal and rejoins the regiment.
On the 12th we start for home, and crossing the river
take the cars for Springfield, reaching Camp Butler on the 14th.
Here we found our old friends, the Bloody 16th Illinois. As
the train stopped at the gates of Camp Butler, and while the
boys were assisting to unload the officer's horses and such regi-
mental baggage as was still with us, some of the Fiftieth slip-
ped away to reconnoiter, and discovered that the barracks were
already occupied with "grey backs." Without hesitation the
regiment was formed and marched through the outer gates and
down to the banks of the river near Jimtown, where we bivouac.
It was disgraceful to think for a moment that the "proud sons
of Adams county" would affiliate with such beings. The Fifti-
eth could stand rain and sncw, mud and slush, the dangers of
picket, skirmish and battle, run cheerfully the risk of yellow
fever, chills, shaking ague and mumps, go without rations and
never complain, but willingly consort with grey-backs? never!
At noon on the 19th, Governor Offlesbv, accompanied by
his staff had called to see us and made a short speech to the
boys, which was warmly received.
Here we remained until July 20th, when we broke camp
for the last time, marched to the city and received our pay and
final discharge bearing date July 13th, 18G5.
As we fell in to leave camp on the morning of the 20th,
everything being in readiness; all the government property in
possession of the regiment was sent to Springfield to be turned
into store, and the regiment fell in for the last time, to receive
their pay and final discharge, the brief speech of Col. Hanna,
when dismemberment of the regiment was about to commence,
was, for him, a forcible and brilliant outburst of soul-stirring
eloquence, a farewell address so fraught with genuine feeling,
and prompted allusions to the scenes of the past four years,
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
413
(hat every feeling of animosity, (if any existed), was swept
away in an instant, and he became to one and all, as truly ad-
mired, esteemed and loved, as when he cheered and assisted on
the tedious march in the Carolinas, or led his shattered rem-
nant of a regiment from the blood moistened battlefield of Ai-
latoona; Would that we could here present it. but this is im-
possible as it was entirely an impromptu extempore effort. It
was received by the regiment with deafening eheer3. Its im-
port and substance are engraved on the hearts of those whom
it was his highest delight and honor to command. During the
period when it was demonstrated to the world that a republic is
the strongest as well as the best government on earth.
On Friday the Ada ens County boys mostly of companies
A. 1>,C, 13 and E, under command of Col. Hanna, with members
of other companies who lived west, started for Quincy, and at
Camp Point were handsomely entertained; reaching Quincy on
the evening of the same day. The Quincy Herald, while on our
way to the south spoke well of us, see page 50. The Quincy
Whig and Republican, as we departed in 1861, had a good word
to say on page 25, and also on our return as veterans, on pages
i'eo-4. And now the regiment having fulfilled its lofty mission,
with its ranks seat taring into the ways of peace, the same paper,
always the friend of th^ soldiers in the field, in its issue of July
2:2nd, 1805. has this to say :
ARRIVAL OF THE FIFTIETH.
"Five companies of the Fiftieth 111. regiment, in com-
mand of Col. Hanna. arrived about S o'clock last evening. They
were met at the depot by a number of friends and citizens, to
do honor to tie:-1 brave heroes and extend to them first the hand
of cordial greeting and hearty welcome home. The cola, driz-
zling rain kept many away who would otherwise have been
among the foremost to greet the boys, with loving words and
kindly smiles. They repaired at once to the old Hospital Xo.2>
where fair hands had spread a sumptuous feast of good cheer'
and speakers were waiting with words of welcome for the retur-
ning brave
414
HISTORY OF THE
Patriotic songs were sung, excellent music was discoursed
by the band, and every appropriate expression of joy freely in-
dulged in.
The reception speech was made by Counsel Greeley, Esq..
who fairly outdid himself. His remarks were eloquent and
well timed.
After the viands prepared, in abundance, by generous
loyal hearted ladies, had been duly discussed, short and per-
tinent speeches were made by Chaplain Bigger, Col. Hanna,
Col. Bane, Gen. Prentiss, Col. Gaines, Rev. Mr. King and Co^
Swarthout.
The hospital building was crowded with soldiers and
citizens, who remained until a late hour, exchanging friendly
greetings, renewing old acquaintances, and strengthening the
bonds which bind us together in the great brotherhood of Amer-
ican freemen. It was a scene of lively interest, and will long
be remembered by all who were present.
The old Adams County regiment has made its marks in
the war against traitors, and secured a record that will shine
upon the brightest page of American history, while time en-
dures. Its services are among the most valuable rendered by
any regiment during the rebellion.
The magnificent Prize Banner, alluded to yesterday, was
displayed conspicuously in the hall during the evening, with a
streamer bearing the inscription :
''Prize Drill Banner, awarded to the 50th 111. V. V.. July
3rd, 1865." On the upper part of the banner was blazoned in
gold letters "EXCELSIOR," and in the center "Forty Rounds/'
It is a splendid prize worthily bestowed upon a regiment which
had proved itself equal to every emergency.
''About eleven o'clock the crowd dispersed; the battle
bruised soldiers returning to their peaceful homes as citizens,
to resume once more the quiet pursuits of civil life. May they
never more have occasion to draw the sword in behalf of our
re-established and purified government.1'
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
415
At a later date, a commission was issued as follows:
( fit-corded Vol. 5, pa^e ICO, Adjutant Generals OiSce, )
\ E. D. Tqwnsend, Assistant Adjutant General, j
"The President of the United States of America: To all
who shall see these presents, greeting:
Know Ye, That I do hereby confer on William Ilanna, of
the U. S. Volunteers in the service of the United States, by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate, the rank of Brigadier
General BY BREVET, in said service, to rank as such from the
Thirteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and sixty-rive, for gallant and merritorioils service
in. the battle of Allatoona . Ga.
And I do strictly charge and require all officers and sol-
diers under his command, to obey and respect him accordingly;
and he is to observe and follow such orders and directions from
time to time, as he shall receive from me, or the future Presi-
dent of the United States of America, and other oflieerb set'over
him, according to Jaw, and the rules and discipline of war.
This commission to continue in force during the pleas-
ure of the President of the United States for the time being.
Given under my hand at the City of Washington, this
twenty-fourth, day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and sixty-eight, and in tire ninety-third year of
tie) Independence of the Tinted States.
(By the President,)
J. M. SCHOFIKLI),
Sec'y of War.
ANDREW JOHNSON.
** „
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. ■■&■ ■' - -■■ ■ . .. -- ->-.^s/
■',"■ ■ ... - '■ ' X-
CHAPTER XXII.
OUR FLAGS.
"We hail with pride the flag we love,
The emblem of true liberty,
Unsullied now it floats above
A happy land forever free."
"Old Glory! Flag preserved through war,
Them hast not lost a single star."
kHLE FLAG is the emblem of the power
and dignity of a country, and its gov-
ernment.
Whoever assails it, whoever insults
it, assails and insults every citizen, of
whatever degree, of that country whose
ensign it proclaims itself to be.
There is a glory around and about
our flag past all description from tongue or pen. As it floats
in the sky it seems so Heaven blessed and beautiful, that eyes
grow full of tears, not of sorrow but of joy, not of doubt but of
hope.
But if in days of peace, waving in graceful fold oh fold,
on land from ilag-^ta ff high, or on the sea from top-mast gal-
lant, it shines resplendant as a star, how far more is it in power
uplifting, when borne by mighty men, it moves, majestic, a
thing of life, amid the battle's shock and roar and dame. Then
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 417
it is that men, following with heroic step, die for it. Then it is
that, blood washed and purified, its shadow falling upon the
living, the glazing eyes of the dying, and the upturned faces of
sainted dead, its every fold is hallowed and it becomes to all
who love the land, "Old Glory."
When the Fiftieth left Quincv for Hannibal and further
on for the seat of war it was possessed of no regimental Hag or
colors.
However, part of company C, some sixteen in number,
including Lieut. Theodore W. Letton, who had been members
of the Quincy Cadets, upon entering the regiment, brought
their flag with them to be used by the regiment until colors
should bo provided. Under this flag the command moved to
St, Joseph, Missouri. While there company K, which had join-
ed the regiment at Chillicothe under command of Capt. Timo-
thy 1). McGiilieuddy, who, during the summer of 1861, had
served in an organization known as the Marion County Battal-
ion, with headquarters at Hannibal, Missouri, that had been
formed and put into active training, having been mustered into
service at St. Louis by the gallant Lyon for the period of three
months, serving under a flag made and presented by the ladies
o( Hannibal to this company, then known as company B.
At the close of the three months service and disbandment
I ot this company, the ilag was returned to battalion headquar-
ters, to be held in safe keeping for further use. In September,
1S61, Capt. McGiilieuddy, who was recruiting a company for
the three vears service, under authority from General Fremont,
was tendered a place for his company — •quite a number of whom
had served in the old organization — in the Fiftieth, which be-
ing accepted, his organization was made a part of the regiment,
company K, and joined the regiment at Chillicothe, Moi
On the 26th of December, the regiment being then at St.
.Joseph^ a delegation representing the loyal citizens of Hannibal,
consisting of Robert Tufts, Josiah Young, Joseph E. Streeter
and Spencer C. Tibby, arrived in camp and on behalf of the old
company (B), as well as the loyal people of Hannibal, present-
ed the old flag to company K.
418 HISTORY OF THE
A report of the proceedings incident to the presentation
is herewith given, and at this day, now so remote from the stir-
ring scene, the blood leaps from heart to pulse with a warmer
glow under the influence of the deeply eloquent and loyal words
then and there uttered.
FLAG PRESENTATION.
FROM THE ST. JOSEPH, MO., JOURNAL. •
The ceremony of the presentation of a flag to Capt. Mc-
Gillicuddy of the Fiftieth Illinois, by his old comrades of the
home guards of Hannibal, the address of Cant. Tufts, and the
reply of the gallant Captain given below, are highly entertain-
ing. It was a well merited tribute to a brave officer and to his
equally courageous company.
Capta in Mc GillicwJdy :
The pleasing duty has devolved, upon us in behalf of your
old friends and companions in arms of company B, Marion bat-
talion, United States reserved corps, of once more committing
to your custody tin's flag — the glorious emblem of our nation's
sovereignty. It is endeared to us by many hallowed recollec-
tions. It was the work of fair hands, and the gift of patriotic
hearts of our friends, the loyal ladies of Hannibal, and truer
friends and nobler hearts are to be found nowhere. It was.
through the summer service, the companion of our arduous and
as yet unrequited toil; witnessing its starry folds proudly
floating in the breeze encouraged our hearts by day, and the
thoughts of the fair donors cheered us in the lonely hours
of the night. For them we tolled — for them we were ready to
bare our bosoms to the rebel's steel, and if our labors were to
meofc with no other reward, we had the proud satisfaction of
knowing that they were appreciated by those whose homes and
hearths our arms saved from violation and pillage. Our bat-
talion has been disbanded, our fellow soldiers are widely scat-
tered, most of them have followed the noble example of him
who a few days since, laid down his life as a sacrifice upon his
country's altar, and who, but as yesterday we followed to a sol-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
419
r
i
i
liter's grave — and have left homes and friends to forfeit their
liven in their country's service; but wherever they are, they
must one and all- be pleased to know that their honored flag is
in the hands of one whom they love and trust. Receive it, sir,
from our hands, cherish it with care; let it ever be borne in the
thickest of the tight, where iron rain and leaden hail fall thick-
est and fastest — let itmoat in proud defiance^ and "when the
noise of battle is over, and the bugle calls no more to arms" —
when through the exertions of our brave citizen soldiers the au-
thority of the best government ever formed, is re-established
over the whole of the fairest heritage on which the light of the
esuti ever shone — may it be your happy privilege to appear once
more before those loved-friends who first placed it in your hands
and say: here is the flag which you committed to my keeping,
it has been torn and tattered by the winds of heaven — it has
been rent, and pierced by the foeman's lead and rebel steel—but
it has iloated in triumph over many a well-fought field, and in
our hands it has never been disgraced.
Robert Tufts,
Josiah Young,
Joseph E. Steeetee,
Spencer 0. Tibby.
Capt. McGilltcllly's Kelly.
#
Ladies, Gentlemen and Soldiers;
' I feel proud of being the chosen instrument of company
K, Fiftieth regiment of Illinois State Volunteers, in accepting
in their behalf, this beautiful flag — a flag that has commanded
the respect of all nations abroad, and of all true Americans at
home, I love this flag for several reasons: First, for it was the
Hag adopted by our revolutionary fathers, and handed down
to us as a memento of the struggle that gained our Indepen-
dence. Second. It is the same flag that I had the honor of ac-
cepting in behalf of a company that sprung into existence as it
were, by magic, at the first call of our country for volunteers to
defend our national existence. I love it for the hallowed recol-
lections of the ])ast- — it having been committed to our keeping
420
HISTORY OF THE
';
•
by old friends and comrades in arms, the "Marion Battalion,*'
of Hannibal.
Soldiers, there is a significance in the construction oi
this flag — it being- the only flap; that is indicative of progression.
In the adoption of the flag by the colonies, thirteen stars and
stripes were to represent these colonies or the original states,
and as one state after another was admitted into our glorious
union, an additional star was placed upon our banner, until
now we have the proud satis-
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faction of witnessing thirty-
four stars upon the blue field
of our national emblem.
The history of our republic
is contained within and typi-
fied by the red, white and
blue of our country's flag, the
red is emblematical of the
blood of the fathers of the
revolution, shed in the glori-
ous cause of liberty and inde-
pendence. The white simply
typifies the purity of the prin-
ciples for which they fought,
and the blue the freedom at-
tained, it being perpetual as
■K;:;/.;;.';-v& the azure arch that spanned
their native hills, and formed
a canopy over their lovely
plains.
Fellow soldiers, this flag is
to-day committed to your
Capt. McGittimddy and the old flag MeVm& Tt is a most sacred
trust, We are to defend it
from the ruthless hands of the enemy; we are expected to bring
it forth after the present conflict shall have subsided, with not
one stain upon its starry folds reflecting disgrace or dishonor
upon the recipients of this most beautiful gift. Fellow soldiers,
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
421
-
, iV its stars gleam proudly upon the advance of each consti-
tutional right over the mythical dogmas promulgated by its
, ; ■> iiti.-s. May true hearts at every fireside of our loved land
::. "t with joy each battle over which it waves in victory, and
mar we all live to see its starry folds again floating triumph-
antly over every hill-top in our once happy country.
I
The flag thus graciously and lovingly presented, and, as
a trust, so nobly received, was by the. Captain placed in tha
lunifis of St. Clair Watts of. his company, as flag bearer, and
$ho sequel will prove that he faithfully fulfilled his high ap-
■ MJntment.
On the 21st of January, 1SG2, the regiment left St. Jo-
**ph for a more active scene of operations. On its way, and
while at Quincy, Illinois, it returned the flag of the Cadets,
which it. had been using temporarily. This left the regiment as
an organization without any colors.
At the request of Colonel Bane, through Adjutant. T.
-h'if Brown, Captain McGillicuddy willingly consented that the
ilag of company K should be used as the flag of the regiment,
conditioned, however, that their bearer, St. Clair Watts, be se-
lected as color bearer, all of which was readily agreed to, and
tlitis it was that the flag formerly of company B, Marion Bat-
talion, U. S. Reserve Corps, now the property of company K,
became the colors of the Fiftieth.
Such is the statement as furnished by Capt. McGillicud-
dy. But in furtherance of this interesting matter, the Color
Bearer, St. Clair "Watts, has this to say in answer to the ques-
tion, "As to how he became color bearer?''
"The regiment at St. Joseph, had used the flag of the
Quincy Cadets, which was borne by a member'of company C.
At the time of our return to Quincy the Cadets requested
their flag, which being complied with left the regiment without
colors. Colonel Bane, through his Adjutant, requested the use
of the flag recently presented to company K, at St. Joseph,
which was granted upon condition that Captain McGillicuddy
422
HISTORY OF THE
r
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should be permitted to select a color bearer, and I was honor.:
by my Captain with that selection.
"With no desire to dilate upon mv own bravery, I v r
deem it due to the truth of history to say that on the 15th of
February, 1862, this flag, thus committed to my keeping, was
the first one to be planted upon the
works at Fort Donelson in manner a.-.
follows :
"The 2nd Iowa, or part of it, reached
the works first, but seeing a halt in their
flag I ran ahead of my regiment a little
wavs because I thoueht bv doing so 1
could get my flag on first and so I did.
Fifty or more of our boys cried out to mo
to jump down, and this I did. I after-
wards learned that the color bearer of
the 2nd Iowa was wounded, therebv
ST. CLAIR WATTS, CO. K. causing hh flag to haU>
"I think the officers and men will bear me out in this, as
at Clarksville there was a discussion among the officers, as to
who was entitled to carry the flag, caused by it not being borne
by a member of the color company, which coming to the knowl-
edge of Mrs. Col'. Bane, who had heard how the flag had been
bravely borne at Donelson, told the Colonel that she thought
"the right man was in the right place,'' which seemed to accord
with his idea, as I remained color bearer."
In support of this statement T. W. Lett on, then 1st Lieu-
tenant of company C, later Adjutant of the regiment, writes:
"In the charge Saturday afternoon company C, (then
color company), crossed the abatis and placed the colors on the
enemy's entrencliihents. It, with parts of two other companies
having succeeded in passing the entrenchments ; the remain-
ing seven companies continuing to the left where we afterward-
joined them.
"A rebel battery had a flanking fire on us as we made the
charge and quite a number of our men were wounded with grape
1
:
t
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 428
»hot; some of whom we at first supposed were killed, soon re.
covered.
"I had the honor to lead the detached companies in this
charge and to be the first one over the abatis, and up to the en-
trenchments, and wa3 given considerable praise for the act by
the Colonel, and other officers, after the battle.
UI am quite positive that our tlag was the first to reach
the entrenchments in our vicinity, but of course there is no
telling what may have occurred farther to the right.
"As to who constituted the color guard at this time I do
lot remember. Company C was the color company however,
nud one of the first to reach the .entrenchments. Col. Hanna
v. ill doubtless remember the circumstance, also Major Burnham
:uk! many others mav recall it."
Colonels Gaines and Hanna and Major Burnham, to
whom the above account has been submitted, corroborate it,
and many others will remember it.
It will be recalled (on page 67) that during this charge
til" regiment became severed — the loft following Adjutant
Brown, leaving the right to follow under Lieut. Letton, his
company being on the left; after the fight he, with the rest,
were highly complimented by the Colonel and other officers, for
Use brilliant action they accomplished,
At Shiloh this Hag was badly riddled with missiles, and
during the advance on Corinth, much of the wav through under-
brush, it became so torn and damaged that it was returned to
Capt, MeGillicuddy, being replaced by a new set of Stars and
Stripes, and a blue State tlag, being the regiment's first set of
colors. This was a short time before the battle of Corinth ard
Watts was continued as color bearer, Corporal John W. Alexan-
der of company F, being detailed as bearer of the State flag
by order of Lieut. Col. Swarthout. at that time commanding the
regiment. The first fire under which these Hags were placed
was in the battle of Corinth, October 3rd and 4th, 1S02, and it
was there in the first days fight that the regiment lost one of
its best and bravest men, John \V. Alexander, who fell mortally
424
HISTORY Of tllEJ
wounded, lingering in life until the 22nd, when death set the
signet of glory on his face and he slept for his country. No
braver, gentler, nobler man ever lived than this modest and un-
assuming soldier. Into the jaws of death he bore unflinchingly
the ensign of his State, proud Illinois, and there met with his
reward, the right to live forever in the hearts of a grateful
people.
Concerning his fall in the battle, Sergeant Watts says:
"I did not see Alexander fall, as at that time I was observing
the enemy, who were pushing to our right and rear, seeing which
I sent one of my guards to Col. S war thout with the information.
IT.is attention thus called he immediately withdrew the regi-
ment to the rear, but not until three lines of the enemy had
passed our right flank, while others were passing to the rear on
our left,"
The regiment moving back slowly, had proceeded bat a
short distance when Alexander fell, but the banner had scarcely
touched the ground when it was caught up by Corporal David
Laugh lin of company B, one of the color guards, and waved de-
fiantly at the oncoming foe, as it in company with the Stars
and Stripes slowly followed the regiment to the rear.
Continuing he writes:
"But on the next dav the attack of the enemy was more
desperate than before, and as our regiment had been pressed back
into and through Corinth, and had charged and regained our
old line, Captain Burnham of company C, came to me and said
—-Serjeant, hold the colors here, and I will stand bv vouas long
as I live — Hardly had he spoken before he was struck in the
shoulder by a ininie ball and was compelled to leave the field."
In these two days of fearful fighting our flags were dreadfully
riven by shot and pieces of shell. They were carried through
the Purdy march in December, 1862, and the Town Creek expe-
dition of April, 1S6S, and by this time the banner had become
so torn and tattered that it could not with safety be carried un-
wrapped.
So passed away the spring and early summer of 1863.
The regiment engaged in marching and guarding railroads, o*r
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
425
covering the lines to the rear. Whatever time was at command
was spent in perfecting the regiment in drill, and with good ef-
ft-.-L for the regiment rapidly took first place in the division in
company as well as regimental evolutions. It was, therefore,
with delight and pride when, on the 17th of July, Capt. Cramer
of company A. returned from Quincy bringing with him a pair
of beautiful white silk guidons lettered in gold "50th Ills, Vols."
a present from Mrs. Col. Swarthoiit and her sister. The Cap-
tain presented them to the regiment in a brief but touchingly
eloquent speech which was responded to by Major Hanna, in
words that burned into the souls of the men who heard. This
addition to our coders made the old battle scarred dags look so
shabby that the necessity was apparent for a new supply.
Whereupon Major Hanna sent in a requisition for a new stand
of colors, which was. in part, promptly honored, and on the 8th
of August, 1868, a new banner was received and flung to .the
breeze for the first time in the famous brigade or test drill,
mentioned on page 214.
There is not a member of the regiment then present but
who will recall at the mere mention of the scene in camp on
the morning when the flag, fresh, new and so beautiful and
bright, was unrolled, and the old, battered and war tangled
banner which had waved over the regiment in the battle's storm
or skirmish line, or on weary, weary march was u&'tolled for
the last time, so that all might look upon it again. It was like
taking the last, long parting look at the face of a dear, dead
loved one; and as the men inured to hardship, bronzed by the
heated march or fiercer fire of battle, gathered around, many
plucked a small bit from the tattered folds to be tenderly kept
in the memory of comrades who had so willingly offered up
their lives as a Libation upon the altar of their country.
With new colors and guidons fluttering in the breeze ad-
ded to the general, fine appearance of the regiment, the Fiftieth
excited the admiration of the officers and men of the division.
The first baptism of tire to which these flags were expos-
ed, was at luka. Mississippi. November 6th, 1868, as we moved
into Tennessee. From thence on through the career of the regi-
(27)
^ i
426
HISTORY OF THE
I
meat as mounted infantry, on the veteran furlough home, and
back again through the campaign of 1864, from Lyrimville, Ten-
nessee, to Rome, Georgia, these colors led the regiment until
they became so worn and tattered that further use could not i-
made of them.
It was while the regiment was at Romp that the follow-
ing incident occurred in connection with our flags. The inhab-
itants of the place, and more especially the women, were ex-
ceedingly disloyal, and took every occasion offered to express
their sentiments. Their conduct was annoying in the extreme.
To teach a lesson as well as compel an outward respect for the
flags, Major Hanna, on the 80th of May, caused them to be sus-
pended over the sidewalk in front of headquarters, where all
might have the privilege of passing under them. Many were
the bitter and scornful looks cast upon them as they swung in
the. breeze. Now and then a sight refreshing to loyal hearts
was witnessed. An old gentleman as he walked beneath them,
doffed his hat and bowed with courtly grace. An old lady who
lived near by was observed sitting near her window, weeping
tears of joy, she said, as she realized that ''The Old Flag" had
come to stay.
Through the columns of the Western Veteran, published
at Kansas City. Missouri, July 18th, 1398, an inquiry was made
as to who was on duty at headquarters that day, as guard which
brought a reply from J. A. Hoops of company Gr, now a resi-
dent of Tpava. Illinois.. In response to a request to furnish his
recollections of an incident which happened while he was on
duty there Comrade Hoops furnishes the following:
"The headquarters of the Fiftieth 111. Veteran Volunteer
Infantry on the 80th day of May, 1864, was in a building loca-
ted on the south side of Maine street, Rome, Ga., just at the
foot of an incline as- we went east. Immediately over the side-
walk were suspended our regimental flags, while on the opposite
side of the street were displayed in like manner, the colors of
one of the other regiments of our brigade.
"About ~ o'clock p. m., on the above date the undersigned
was posted as a sentry in front of our regimental headquarters,
l
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
42'
!
i
and a part of the instructions was that all citizens passing to
and fro on the walk, should go directly under the flag. At the
h uv above mentioned, two ladies came down the walk, one was
quite matronly, probably thirty-five or forty years of age, while
the other was a dazzling charmer scarcely out of her teens, and
endowed with a superabundance of vivacity, vim and vindic-
tiveness far above the requirements of the
occasion, and was the spokeswoman of the
pair; when near the flag they came to a
halt, looked, first at it, then at the sen-
try, and with evil eye and restless nerves
£iTve utterance to the following questions:
i ■
* ,*
J. A. HOOPS, CO. G.
k> "What have you'ns all got that
dirty rag hung over our sidewalks for?'
"Reply — We place our flag there so
that the fair ladies of the south may have
the honor of passing under their national
emblem.
"Young lady — with gnashing teeth, clenched fist and a
countenance that bid defiance to all Yankeedom — 'We'uns all
want you'ns all to understand that we'uns belong to the confed-
erate states of America, and we'uns won't go under your Yankee
flag.'
"Reply — You will Lfo under your country's flag or stand
here beneath its folds while we remain in. your city.
"Young lady — 'We'uns all will show you'ns all that Lin-
coln's dogs can't come down here and tyranize over we'uns.'
"Whereupon she left the sidewalk and attempted to pass
around the flag, at the same time hurling the following epithets
at the ilag audits supporters: 'You Lincoln hirelings, you
Yankee dogs, we won't be thus insulted; you can't make us go
under that detestable thing, We'uns would get down on our
kn<-e-; and crawl through the mud of our streets, before we'uns
would do it.'
*i>y the time they had passed over the gutter, intending
t<> go aroun'd the flag, the sentry presented them the point of
his bavonet and commanded them to go hack on the walk and
428 HISTORY OF THE
pass under the flag, or consider themselves under arrest; >' at
this time the Colonel's orderly, Charley Hubert, came out from
headquarters and assisted in trying to get them to pass under
the flag and go on their way in peace), but they would not. and
the young lady declared she had spit in the face of Col. Streight
when a prisoner in their city, (Col. Streight. was captured by
the rebels near Rome, Georgia, early in the spring of 1S68),
and would treat likewise any and all yanks that came in her
way, whereupon she endeavored to execute her threat, but feel-
ing the sharp point of a bayonet in her flesh, withheld her
spittle, but continued her wrathful utterance until placed under
arrest and taken into headquarters, where they listened to just
such a lecture as only Major J 1 anna could administer. Haying
been properly admonished were again ordered to pass under tie-
flag; they reluctantly obeyed, and were released from arrest.
They again began their abuse of the flag, the Union soldiers, the
government, and all connected with it, resulting in again being
placed under arrest and ordered to walk the beat with the sen-
try then on duty for the remaining part of the two hours, pass-
ing under the flag every time they went up and down the bent
Having repented of their folly they were released from arrest,
and thanking the sentinel in good humor, went their way. wiser
for their experience and with more respect for the Boys in
Blue.
"Respectfully submitted,
J. A. HOOPES,
Late of Co. 0, 50th 111. V. V. Inf."
Of these two women, they both partook later of the
bounty of Uncle Sam. The younger one cooking for a mess of
company B, while the elder, a Mrs. Kitch, whose husband was in
the rebel army, depended upon brigade headquarters for her
food, and said she would never insultthe old ilag again, because
we had been so generous with them.
On the 19th o\ June, 18G4, the regiment received a new
set of colors, and now a new difficulty presented itself. Here-
tofore it had been the rule b<& d- tail, as color guard, corporals
from the companies, thesowere excused from regular duty while
■
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
429
■
■
■ *
ih detailed, thug causing their comrades of the same rank to
. iv a larger prop>rtion of company duty to perform. During
• campaign the corporals thus detailed were considered as
ring a soft snap: besides this it had become a position of
>iu.rr to be detailed as a color guard, & — —
. . i! had become a matter of individual j
- well as regimental pride, to have the
honor of protecting our cherished iiags.
Upsides numerous changes had been
•..id" by death and disease, as well as
in the line of promotion. Watts had
i-'t'iime Orderly Sergeant, and others
..: -i been advanced, the vacancies he-
mming filled by others. The duty of
•;;«' guards is also to relieve the bearers,
iitn-1 at times fill their places when in- Ssrs,We2a:P..s«48lph, Co. a.
disposed. So on the 15th of July, 1S64:. the following orders
were promulgated :
Headquarters 50th Ills. Lntt. Vols.,
Rome, Ga„ July loth, 1S6S.
(tfticrul Orders, i
Xo. 3. \
I. The following named enlisted men are hereby
ii(itailed as Color Guards, and will report accordingly:
Corporal John P. Randolph. Company A. 50th Ills. Int. Vols.
%i ' David Laughlin,* " B. " ,v "■
Slater Lewis, :* C.
"' John X. Bradshaw, ki D,
Milo H.Riley, *; E,
John J. Babbitt, '• G,
Henry Line. u 1.
II. The following named enlisted men are hereby
li
u
u
u
a
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i;
(*
u
a
w tailed as Color Bearers, and will report accordingly:
^*rgeant George X. Lane, Company E, 50th Ills. Inf. Vols.
Janus P. Lawson. v* ' G, i; " *; ■ "
Bv order of
Mkrvin Converse, Maj. WM. ITAXXA.
Lhut. and Aciinq . ! : 'v. '>■ •'.
480
HISTORY OF THE
■•■•--* *
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Carp. Jehi^S. BradshaWj Co. D.
there goes the regiment
The selection of this guard was the result of careful
study upon the part of Major Hanna.
and no higher compliment could liav».«
possibly been paid by commanding of-
ficer to men than that bestowed by tie-
Major in his choice of the few where
all were so worthy. It redounds to his
judgment as well as to the glory of the
guard by him selected, that each man
of them bore himself as worthy and
well qualified for the trust. It was in-
deed a high trust, a place of deep res-
ponsibility, for where the colors go.
The instances are rare indeed where a
regiment turned its back to its Hags. Hence the importance of
a wise selection.
It will be observed that this detail contains the names of
Corporal David Laugh tin of company B, and Milo II. Riley of
company E, who had served with distinction as color guards
since early hi 1SG2, and John N. Bradshaw of company D, who
had been detailed as such previous to the Tuscumbia march, in
April, 1803, and served continuously since as banner bearer.
(There may be others included in this service whose
names have escaped the writer.)
The time having now arrived in which our Qpn-veterans
were to leave us, caused vacancies in the ranks
of the officer.-? and non-commissioned officers
in the companies which were filled by new
appointments, and Cofp'I John P. Randolph
of company A, having been promoted to ser-
geant, the following order was issued :
Headquarters 50th Ills. Inf. Vols.,
Rome, Ga., Sept. 28th, 1864.
Special Order, (
M..
5
No.
./ / '■ ,< v
Elijah Beedal . Co. A.
The following named enlisted men of company A, 50tli
V>- V
■
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
43J
Illinois Infantry Regt., are hereby detailed as Color Guards
and will report for duty immediately:
Elijah Kendall, Cc. A, 50th Ills. Infantry Vet. Vols.
By order of
Lieut. Col. \VM. HANMA.
I.. W. Blystone,
Limit, and Acting Adjutant.
The changes had been so many that the first days of Oe-
tober was at hand before proper details had been made to fill
up the various vacancies, and we find
that when the assembly was sounded
"ii the evening of October 4th, 1804,
and we were to <xo to the relief of the
garrison at Allatoona, that the two
color sergeants were sick. Slater Lewis
of company C, had been promoted ser-
geant and was with his company, and
Corporal Smith Nicholson was detailed
in his stead. To him was given the
honor of bearing one of the flags, and
Corporal Riley the other. Serg't S. D, Lewis, Co. c.
It was not until in the battle of Allatoona that our new
(lags werecftiled upon to pass through their first fiery ordeal.
In this, on*' of th- most teniae ongfi>/m'.eoi:s of the war, both
in point of desperate assault and a defense so resolute as to
command the plaudits of the world, the flag staff was struck
three times by pieces of shell, the spear head falling at the feet
of Captain Francis J. Dunn of company 1. who deeming it of a
character too sacred to be left upon southern soil, picked it up
and has ever since held it in his own possession.
This was at the moment the regiment started on its
charge down the hill to the relief of Col. Rowett, who was then
in command of the brigade in the fort on the west side of the
cut. After the fight was over, an examination showed the col-
ors, in addition to the shattered staff, were riddled with holes.
It is proper before closing this chapter, to note the many
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.
.
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4o2 HISTORY OF THE
i
changes in the history of the color guards of the regiment and
the orders relative to the color bearers and guards, which are
recorded in their proper order as far as possible.
It was found that in addition to the changes already in-
ferred to that in the lo«s of many of our brave comrades in th«
battle of Allatoona, was some of our non-commissioned officers,
and as a result quite a number of the comrades now hold war-
i rants for promotion on which is endorsed in red ink:
"This soldier is promoted for bravery at the battle of
Allatoona, fought October 5th, 1S64.
WM. HA XX A.
Lieut. C<>1. Commanding"
xVt this date we cannot call them all by name, but quite
a number of changes were then made, Corporal Bradshaw of
company D, was promoted .Sergeant and serving with his com-
pany, and on the 10th of October, 1864, the following special
orders were issued :
Headquarters 50th Ills. Inf.
Rome. Go,., October 10th, 1864..
Special Orders, '{
'» No. 48. \
The following enlisted men of company Gr, 50th Illi-
nois Regiment Vet. Vols., are hereby relieved from duty as color
bearer and will report to their commanding utlicers for dutv
immediately.
Sergeant James F. Lawson, Company G, 50th Ills. Inf.
By order of
Lieut. Col.WM. HAXXA,
S. W. Blystoxk,
Lieut, and Acting Adjutant.
Headquarters 50th Ills. Inf. Vet. Vols.,
Rome. Ga., October JOtli, 1864.
Special Order*, )
No. 49. S
The following named enlisted men of company B,
50th Ills. Int. Vet. Vols^ are hereb} detailed on special duty as
4
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
483
color sergeant and will report to these headquarters for duty
immediately. ^Sia^
Preston Lathrop, sergeant, company $
U, 50th Ills. Inf. fP«r«* S
By order of \l ^ -> #
Lieut. Col. VOL HAXXA. •■ \^y0
S, \\\ Blystone,
Lieut, and Acting Adjutant.
On the march to the sea the flag was
Korno by Corporal David Laugh I in. and i :>; wyfySMffi1
the banner by Sergeant Lathrop, while s*rgt Proton lathwp, Co s.
the ever watchful Riley and the other guards assisted. At Sa-
vannah, Sergeant Lathrop becoming sick, and other changes
wearing, the following detail was made:
■:. ■ i / ' - '
Headquarters 50th Ills. Inf. V. V.
Savannah, Ga.. Jan. 16th, 1S65,
Special Orders, I
Xo. j. ' \
The following named enlisted men are hereby de-
tailed for color guards, and will report accordingly.
Corporal Michael Sceitter, Company C, 50th Ills. Inf.
Charles Warner. £i B, k' " "
By order of
WM. KAVXA.
Lieut. Col Com'd'i 50th III*.
tun] on the next campaign the flag was carried by Laughlin and
the banner by Riley, up through the Carolines, the Grand
Parade at Washington, and. more changes occurring, the fol-
lowing detail was issued :
Headquarters 50th Ills. Inf. V. V..
Washington, />. C, May 29th, 1864.
Special Order*, )
Xo. 26. ' )
Smith Nicholson, Corporal Company C, 50th Ills.
I
484
HISTORY OF THE
■
Inf. V. V., is hereby detailed as color corporal, 50th Ills. Infan-
try and will enter upo.n the duties of such immediately.
By order of
Lieut. Col. \VM. HANNA,
C. H. Floyd, Commanding Rcgt.
Lieut, and. Acting Adjutant.
In June, 1865, the following orders were promulgated:
Headquarters 50th Ills. Inf. V. V.,
Ridgeway, Ky., June 19th, I860.
Special Orders, )
Xo. 33. \
Corporal Christopher Krabieb
;' \- Company F, 50th Ills. Infantry Vet. Vols.
"A ,.-' *v '7 'r'i^V. is hereby detailed as color guard.
.. \ || \ \ My By order- of
v" ^'E^'1 " '< Lieut. Col. \VM. HANNA,
c. c. Kratiei. Co f. Commanding Rent.
■
Headquarters 50th Ills. Inf. V. V.
Ridge-way, Ky., June 10th, 1865.
Special Orders, )
No. 34.. s
Corporal David Laughlin, Company B, 50th Ills,
lofty Vet. Vols., is hereby relieved from duty as color guard,
and. will report to his company commander for duty without
delay.
By order of
WM. HANNA,
Lieut. Col. Commanding Regt.
This was because company B was on detached service at
division headquarters, and Corporal David Laughlin was to be
promoted to sergeant and his services required with his com-
pany, on the 24th of the same month an order was issued as
follows :
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
485
Headquarters 50th Ills. Inf'ty Vet. Vols,,
Xetir Louisville, A'//., June 21fth, 1SG5
Si" cud Orders, t
So. 35. \
II. Corporal Adam K. Jeffrey,
Company E, 50th Ills. Infty Vet. Vols., is
hereby detailed as color guard, and will re-
port tor duty immediately.
By order of
Lieut. Col. WM. IIAXXA.
rt. R. Jsrrsy, CO. E
Commanding Regt.
While encamped near Louisville it having Icon arranged
that there should be a drill by such regiments of the division as
desired to enter the contest; the prize being a handsome silk
banner. The regiments competing were the 7th Iowa Infantry,
of the 1st brigade; the 63rd Illinois Infantry, of the 2nd brig-
ade, and the Fiftieth Illinois Infantry, of the 3rd brisrade; the
first two being respectively commanded by Major Mali on and
Col. Isaminger, and the last (the Fiftieth), by Lieut. Col. Han-
na. These regiments having been selected to represent their
respective brigades after a close contest with the other regi-
ments for the honor. To keep the men together until after the
drill the following was issued:
Headquarters 50th Ills. Infty Vet. Vols.,
Sear Louisvitle, /w/., June 27th, JSUJ.
Circular:
There will be no more passes granted to visit the city
until after the Brd day of July.
By order of
Lieut. Col. WM. HANNA.
C. F. Hubert,
Adjutant.
after the drill.
To the members of the Fiftieth and their many friends,
the result of the drill, as indicated by theone word on page 407
;
1
;
1
430 HISTORY OF THE
EXCELLED, was indeed very gratifying, and when, on the 5th
of July, we beheld company B, then on detached service at di-
vision headquarters, proudly bearing to our camp the hard earn-
ed PRIZE, and quietly deposited it in the hands of our beloved
Colonel, our joy was great indeed.
For a number of years the result of the drill, as officially
reported by the officers appointed as judges, together with Gen.
Corse's order promulgating the same, was to all intents and
purposes lost, but happily such was not the case, as will appear
by the following letter received and read at a reunion of the
regiment at Camp Point, Illinois, in 181)1 :
Empoiua, Kansas, Oct. lltli, 18,91.
Secretary 50th Ills. Infantry I'ols.,
Fou:kr, Ills-:
Comrade:
That the old 50th Ills. Infantry Vols, was a good regiment every one in
I our old 2nd division knew. Bat I am afraid that ''Prize Banner," given you
at Louisville, Ky., in July, 1885, gave you fellows the "Big Head," and made
you think you were just a "'little too /i/'c:," and my fears seem to be well foun-
ded, for in the National Tribune of Oct. 9th, 1891, 1 see Col. Bane puts on con-
siderable about it, and thinks it was given to you as the best regiment in the
"Army of the Tennessee," while it was only given to you as the best drilled
regiment in the 4th, division, 15th A. (J.
But as the loth was the best corps in the Army of the Tennessee, and our
4th di vision the best in the I5th eocps, 1 guess the claim is all right.
Nov*, that I have had my foolishness I would say when I read Col. Bane's
letter I recalled old times, and having been in the Adjutant General's office under
Major L. H. Evart at the time of the prize drill, I had sent out the order an-
-
nouncing the decision of the judges, and by some means twenty years after the
time in overhauling my old papers I found the "original report," with Generals
Baird, Williams and Hickeulooper's names attached. When the report was
handed in Gen. Corse wrote the heading attached and handed to me to copy, for
the command, and by some means the original got among my private papers,
Believing that the Fiftieth Illinois would like to have the original to keep
with their banner, I forward the same to you. Please acknowledge receipt of
same.
Yours in P., C. & L ,
WSl. E. MrCREARY,
Late private Co. I, Slst Ohio, Emporia. Lyon Co , Kans.
'2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, loth A. C.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 43'
The action of the judges is set forth in the following or-
ders and report:
Headquarters 4th Division, 15th A. C,
Louisville, Ky., July 3rd, 1865.
The decision of the judges selected to decide as to the
relative merits of the competing regiments in this division for
a nrize banner having been received is hereby published, for the
in formation of the command.
» By order of
JOHN M. CORSE,
L. H. Evart, Major General Com viand lug.
A. A. 67.
"I|he undersigned members of the board selected to de-
cide upon the relative merits of the following regiments,
7th Iowa Infty Vols., Maj, Mahon commanding.
6Srd Ills. Infty Vols., Col. I-saminger commanding,
50th Ills. Infty Vols., Col. Wn:. Hanna commanding,
which regiments contested for the "'Excelsior Banner'7 of their
division at Woodlawn Course, July 3rd, 18G5, beg leave to sub-
mit the following report:
"Having taken into consideration
1st. The soldierly bearing and personal appearance of
the men and the condition of their clothing, arms and accou-
trements ;
:md. Their proficiency in the manual of arms: and
ord. Their proficiency in battalion drill, we find it very
difncult to decide, where all displayed such proficiency, but
after mature deliberation have concluded to award the Banner
to riie 50th Ills. Infty Vols.-, Col. Hanna commanding.
"And at the same time we wish to compliment the offi-
cers and men of the 68rd Ills. Infty Vols., Col. Isaminger com-
manding, upon their unparalelled neatness and soldierly hear-
ing, and the very excellent condition of their arms and accou-
trements.
A. Baird, Brevet Major General,
A. J. Williams, Brevet Major General,
A. HicKEXLOoPER, Brevet Brig. Gen'l.
v
The foregoing comprise all the orders at control of the
writer concerning our flags.
Returning to tie" closing days of service by the regiment
488
HISTORY OF THE
and referring to the disposition of our Hags, it may be noted
that the staff, shattered at Allatoona, had been replaced by one
taken from the old flags, and thus renewed these colors were
tenderly and carefully borne on the march to the sea, in the
grand review at Washington, and in the ever to be remembered
prize drill at Louisville, Ivy., July 8rd, 1805, where the Blind
Half Hundred closed its ca-
reer in the field with an hon-
or justly won, and that the
third set of colors of the Fif-
" tieth were returned to Spring-
' field and turned over to the
f] c a re a n d k e e p in g oft h e State,
here they are to be seen
fT^v:
i -' :-<;<- #-^:'- -•";;•;;; .;,:C^.
ceo-
>t#|v ^^^-^A:-'^4-^:r:,S^4 with the rest of the nags
tfv». 1 ^> -•- : v'">' i iijf/e' .2 borne by Illinois troops, while
^fe^^^ Banner, Excelsior,
1 : "■' ■'
ri^"-r 'r. i
5? t> * .
■'^Am
ffhas been placed in the care
I
i of -Colonel Hanna and is pre-
| served by him at his home in
;J Golden, Illinois.
m It is customary to read in
^.^ifei.^v"V. 1 ,. ; ! i histories of regimental organ-
ization that when about tod e-
a™-; mi/I-, mam. part for tho sent of war there
would be a flag presentation by beautiful young ladies to as
equally brave and gallant young gentlemen, always accepted in
glowing language with vows to defend them to the last. While
no such good fortune attended the Fiftieth, yet the ilags thai
came to it were furnished by the country it did its level best to
preserve, and now as each one of the regiment goes to Spring-
field, bent with the weight of years intervening since peace
came to bless the land, he looks with thrilling pride upon the
torn and tattered colors of the regiment in which he marched
and fought, and for the protection of which so many of his
comrades died. Ah. tender memories cluster around the dear
banners of that mighty war, all righteous and holy on one side,
1
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
430
1 as wickedly wrong upon the other. Some one standing in
; r presence of the old, faded and worn ensigns of the free, de-
posited among the sacred archives of the State, wrote these
iines :
I.
Nothing bat flags, bat simple Sags,
Torn and tattered and hanging in iags^
And we pass by them with a careless tread
Nor think of the hosts of the mighty dead
Who inarched beneath them in the days gone by
With a burning cheek and a kindling eye.
And have bathed each fold with their life's young tide,
And dvrtig blessed thent and blessing died,
II.
Nothing but flags? Yet me thinks at night
They l*>ll each other their tales of fright,
That dim spectres rise and their thin arms twine
'Round each standard torn as it stands in line,
As the word is given they charge they form
And the dim hall rings with the battle storm,
As once again through smoke and strife
Those colors lead to a Nation's life.
IU
Nothing but flags? Yet they're bathed with tears,
They tell of triumphs, of hopes and fears,
Of mother*,' praym-i, of a Uoy away,
Of a serpent crushed ! of the coming' day.
Silent, they speak and the tear will start
As we stand beneath them with throbbing heart
And think of those who are near forgot,
Their flag's come home, why come they sot?
IV.
Nothing but flags ? Yet we hold our breath
As we gaze in awe on those types of death.
Nothing but flags? Yet the thought will come,
The heart must pray though the lips are dumb ;
They are sacred, pure, and we see no stain
On their dear loved folds come home again,
Baptized in the blood of our purest and best,
Tattered a:.d uwn they are uow at fest.
CHAPTER XXII]
.
HOSPITAL CHAPTER.
"X closing our History of the Fiftieth Illinois it is deemed
fitting and proper to give an account of our Hospital De-
partment, and the very efficient service rendered, and its
corps of officers and attendents attached thereto. Of our chief
Surgeon H, W. Kendall we record as follows:
Surgeon Henry Wilmer Kendall of the Fiftieth Illinois
Infantry, was born Sept. 15th. 1881. in Cheviot, Hamilton Co.,
Ohio. His father, Richard Gardner Kendall, M. D.. was a
Quaker from Xorristown, X. J., and his mother was Miss Ann
Prosser Brown, a Quakeress of Sculltown X. J.
Surgeon Kendall obtained his literary education at Ca-
rey's Academy and Farmer's College, Mt. Pleasant, Ohio. His
medical education in Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio,
from which he graduated March 4th, 1853, and from Jefferson
College, Philadelphia, Pa.. March 12th, 1870. Moved to Quincy,
Illinois, September, 1853, and was married November 6th, 1S56.
to Miss Frances Caroline Collins, at Liberty, Adams county.
111. Removed to Payson, 111.. December, 1850. In August 1861
was commissioned Major by the Governor of Illinois, and ap-
pointed Surgeon of the Fiftieth 111. Infantry, at the time of it-
muster into the service, September 12th, 1861, at Camp Wood.
From recollections of the Surgeon and others connected with
this department, we record a- follows: Leaving Quiney early
in October for the scenes of active service in Missouri, our first
,^-:
>3
£&: **&£ ..
-.—>',?■,
-_- /_:
St \
■■■■ .:■ m \
'•••■ •;■:. -::V.^\ \
/ //_
j .r:'~!.':v-
SURGEON HEXRY \V. KENDALL.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
441
.■ n was in Hannibal, from thence to Chillieothe. Here we
- nmiued until November 24th, having our hospital located in
Innjo farm house nnar the camp east of town. While here
«»< were severely afflicted with measles, and on that account the
allowing orders were Issued:
Heabquabters 50th Ills. Inf.,
Chillieothe, Mo., October 24th, 1861.
Special Orders, } ~
Xo. 8. \ Extract.
It is hereby strictly enjoined upon all to discon-
tinue their visits to the camp of the 89th Ohio regiment, mea-
4**s being at the present time prevalent in their camp.
By order of
WM. SWABTHOUT,
T. Jeff Brown, Lieut. Col. Commanding.
Adjutant.
Notwithstanding this precautionary measure, the disease
so increased that one hundred and eighty were down in one
Keek. Many of these cases followed by pneumonia.
The latter part of November the regiment was ordered to
£t. Joseph, Mo., as a part of the force to check General Price's
raid in North Missouri.
While here measles continued in a very violent form and
other diseases appeared, and the regimental hospital. being in-
mieij-uato to the necessity, many patients were transferred to
nii«' post hospital, and res a competent nurse was required, the
following order was sent to company C:
Headquarters 5Qt.h Ills. Regt.,
St. Joseph, Mo., January J+th, 1SG2.
>j)< elal Orders, )
No. 10. )
By orders received from headquarters you will de-
tail George 0. Bartells of your company, company 3, 50th Ills.
Vols., as extra duty man, as hospital nurse, to report to Post
Hospital Surgeon, Dr. Watson, forthwith.
By order of
Lieut. Col. WM. SWARTHOUT, Comd'g.
T. Jeff Beown,
Adjutant.
(28)
442 HISTORY OF THE
Here we remained until the latter part of January, v\he«
we were ordered to leave our sick and proceed to Cairo, HI,,
then to Smithland, Kv. With a rest here of a few days, break-
ing in wild mules for the army wagons, the hoys furnished sev-
eral subjects for instruction in the dressing of wounds, bruis' -
rnd broken ribs, and kept the Surgeon busy. We were then or-
dered on transports up the Tennessee river. Landing below
ForL Henry, we found the gun-boats were already engaging
the lower batteries of the fort when we arrived, and here in
a few hours we witnessed a picture seldom seen on earth. A
large shell from a rifle cannon in the fort penetrated the steam-
er Essex, tearing open her boilers and scalding thirty-one men,
externally and internally, turning them as white as chalk, but
they succeeded, in getting on shore, where all soon after died.
That night the enemy evacuated the fort and retreated to Fort
Donelson, where a few days later, we followed, and on Sunday,
the 16th, had the pleasure of occupying the comfortable quar-
ters of the rebels, which we found had already been pre-empted
by grey-backs— lice. The suffering of the men during this seige
of four days, was intense, and many of the men contracted the
diseases from which thev have suffered through life.
,- *
Having secured good quarters we thought we were fix- u
for a comfortable rest, but four davs later we were ordered to
more immediately on board the steamer Iatan. Many of the.
men were suffering from the recent exposure — resulting in camp
diarrhea and attending troubles. When this order was received
the rain was pouring down in torrents, and the Colonel waited
for it to slack up, when we received this message from the Gen-
era! : "Why in hell don't this regiment move?" The Colonel
answered, "It rains .so hard. General!" The General replied :
"Who in hell ever heard of troops waiting for rain? You will
meet something a damned sight harder than this before you Lro
much further. March."
This peremptory order did not meet with a very courte-
ous reception from the boys, who were nearly sick, but they
proceeded to the boat, and upon arrival at Clarksville,, Tenn.,
were c|U arte red in a large tobacco warehouse. A few days later
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
&
proceeded to Nashville, on the steamer John Raines: remaining
Mn the boat here a day or so, we returned to Clarksville and
and more convenient quarters in private dwellings. During
tl is time, from the cramped and dirty quarters on the boat —
v. itli th»' bountiful supply of flap-jacks and river water— the
•ahh of the men was great.lv impaired — many of them being
rendered totally unfit for duty; among them was Adjutant
1 ►rowh.
In this town, Clarksville, Colonel Bane, who was a pro-
clavery man, made a speech in the public square, March 17th,
to the citizens and soldiers, in which he said: "When lam
■ siivihced that the war is prolonged to free the slaves I will
funer my right arm to be cut from mv body before 1 will draw
mv sword in such a cause." Just nineteen days from that day
we cut that right arm, after it had been shattered by a rebel
bullet, from that body and removed every drop of pro-slavery
I lood from the Colonel's body. The cure was complete, there
v as no relapse.
The Colonel confirmed the above statement in a speech
made to the regiment upon his return to Corinth to assume
command, after recovery from the wound. No tirmer, staunch-
• r friend of the Union can now be found,
The time for theMftioth to leave for the south drew near
and the steamer L. 3VL Kermett was at the landing. Quite a lot
of bacon had been found in a warehouse near the river, and de-
tails, assisted by some contraband*, had loaded it into barges
that v. ere fastened to the boat. In these barges and about the
boat, some of the slaves lead secreted themselves. After the
'• ::ni«'iit was aboard the captain of the boat refused to move
her until the colored people all went ashore. Such was the ar-
rogant feeling at that time that they even expected to command
the troops sent to punish them. The officer of the day of the
Fiftieth, Captain Gooding, ordered him to move at once or take
th** consequences of our bullets in his body-. He moved! ! and
v>4- proceeded to Pittsburg landing, on the south side of the
1 ehnt?ssee river.
In just one week the terrible ouutlict of Shiloh bo&au.
444
HISTORY Oj1 THE
'dl
'
At sunrise of April 6th, 1862, we were hastily summoned fr
our beds by hearing the long roll beat all along our front. Wrv
soon cannonading began, and before we had our breakfasts xii
orderly arrived from the General with commands to fall iutn
line with forty rounds of cartridges to each man, and awair
orders. We stood in line until nearly eight o'clock before th
order came to move. As we moved out on the Corinth road
General Grant, who had just come up from Savannah, overtook
us and inquired of me what troops these were. Proceeding to-
wards the front, we were ordered to the left, and as the line*?
were concentrated, and withdrawn, our department attending t<
as many as we could of the wounded, had them carried to th •-
landing and, as far as possible* placed on the hospital boats.
The close of the day found us on the left of the regiment, not
far from the river. General Grant being near I asked him his
opinion of the battle then in progress, at 6:80 p. in. M,y object
being to learn if it was necessary to remove our wounded from
where we had established a hospital. His reply was to th"
effect, "Not at all, sir; we are whipping them now/' However.
a charge of cannister sweeping uncomfortable close, we carefully
took some of the men by the heels and slid them down the slope
from the exposure.
The various opinions and speculations about the dreadful
conflict at Pittsburg Landing have caused much controversy
and many variations from the truth, intentionally, or from mis-
apprehension of the correlation of facts and forces, innumern-
ble in their evolutions and extent. The writer took supper
with General Prentiss at the front on the Corinth road tin
night before the conflict burst upon us at day-break that fatal
Sunday morning, lie heard all the conversation between the
Generals commanding divisions and knows that they had not
the remotest idea that an attack was contemplated, ox that
there was any heavy force nearer thai: Corinth, twenty miles
distant. Some inquiry was made about firing on the picket
line during the day, but no thought of a surprise entered t!)
minds of any*, it was explained that some guerillas came m
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 445
* i*ht of the picket line, only one-fourth of a mile away, and it
M-jia Maid at uif* time that we had no videts out on the road.
It Has been a mystery why we were not on the north side
:' the Tennessee river when thai: side would have been compar-
atively safe, with our gunboats patrolling the river. But Pitts-
burg Landing was a series of surprises and presentments. The
navigation- of the river was made tedious and difficult by the
stream being filled with floating logs and timbers, tt was a
surprise that Btiel did not meet us there, and that he lagged
hack, as it seemed, intentionally, a week, to allow Grant to be
defeated.
It war a tremendous surprise at dnyliglit, to find the
squad of guerillas fired upon by our pickets the evening before,
to be the advance guard of Beauregard's army, sixty thousand
strong, with the experienced Albert Sidnev Johnson in com-
mand. It was a bewildering surprise at 4 p. m. of that day to
litid the apparently victorious rebel army, successful at every
point, suddenly halt, firing not a gun for two hours. Pollard
says that. '"Beauregard could not explain this halt," but this
was his surprise, when his scouts told him that a large Federal
force was marching to the rear of his left wing, they thought it
was Duel's army. Beauregard having advanced his force in line
«o rapidly that his charge sound* -d like a hurricane at sundown.
In this advano1 they had passed by General Lew Wallace's divi-
sion that was moving on the nearest road from Crump's land-
ing'to a position on our right, and who were also greatly sur-
prised to find themselves far in advance of our line, and to the
left and rear of the rebel line. Two rebel prisoners, wounded
and captured at our right, were placed in our care for treatment,
and informed me of Wallace's appearance there and of Beaure-
gard's withdrawal of his left.
That night as we bivouacked on the field, the rain pour-
ing down in torrents, the Surgeon and his assistant went on
board the hospital steamer 1 atari, to look after our wounded
and perform such surgical operations as were necessary. By
somebody's orders we were moved to the north side of the river,
which brought us in range of the shots and shells of the rebel
446
HISTORY OF THE
batteries on the hill. While we were amputating the Colonel's
right arm a shower of canister shot knocked out the sky-light
immediately over our heads, scattering broken glass all about
us. All that night we could hear the tramp and confusion of
Nelson's division of Buel's army, crossing the river on a pon-
toon and boats. With the first peep of daylight Duel's army
was well over the river, and our whole line advanced with a
rush that seemed to shake the earth, to the center, and left the
ground strewn with a superabundance of work for the Surgeons.
At their fatal hour of 4 o'clock, on Vne 7th, the rebels
were in full retreat from every part of the field, and our search
began for our missing boy? of the day before; some cfeftd, some
mangled and dying on the field, where they had lain through
all of the pelting storm of the night before, unattended. At
the close of this day it was estimated that we had eight thous-
and men wounded on the field; for weeks the Surgeons had but
a few hours rest. Those who think they know what fatigue is,
have little idea of the labor, fatigue and worry there is after
one of those great battles. It required every tent and the army
wagons were lilted with the wounded who were being prepared
to be shipped; to northern hospitals. When we returned to our
camp ,we found it almost undisturbed, save where a few cannon
shots had passed through our tents. So busy had the rebel
troops been that Ihey had no time to loot camps, and the bqh-
combaitants \\'<>v^. scared entirely off the field.
After this terrible battle of Shiloh, in which we tost
many of our best men, we re-organized the hospital forces, re-
taining such as experience had taught would be useful, with tie/
expectation of making it permanent during the war. It was
the determination then to take care of all our sick in the field
hospitals, except those of a chronic character. The hospital
corps was Surgeon, H.W.Kendall; Assistant Surgeon, G. II.
Bane; Hospital Steward. Geo. Morris; Wardmaster, C. C.
Spragtie; Hospital Nurses, Geo. C. Kartells, of Co. C ; Jasper
E. Cheney, of Co. A; A. Wright and Thos. H. Leslie, of Co. G.
Cooks, Geo. Lester, of Co. C and A. J. Davis. Ambulance dri-
ver*- W, W. Pond. Co. D and Lee Gerhart, Co. C.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
447
Chaplain Mathew M. Bigger, who was always willing to
render any kind of service to the sick, was alwavs busy com-
forting them and writing letters to their friends. This hospital
organization was maintained through the war, not one of the
corps was ever returned to his company for disobedience of
orders, A more efficient, industrious body of men never enlis-
ted in any service. The field hospital of the Fiftieth regiment
became the family home of the soldiers; after a soldier was ad-
mitted he felt entirely at home; if he was homesick before this
all left him after he entered the hospital. Each member of
the force felt it his particular duty to make each patient happy
and comfortable; it made no dilferance what the rank of the
officer or soldier, when. he entered the hospital he dropped all
his anxiety and worry, and seemed to be entirely resigned and
satisfied. So perfect, apparently, was their confidence in the
medical officers and nurses that such a thing as refusing a dose
of medicine was unknown, but some of the soldiers objected to
being washed. Our nurses carried out the orders of the Sur-
geons with martial precision and exactness, and so great were
the sanitary regulations of the United States medical depart-
ment that it was a rare thing to have a death in the hospital
from ordinary disease. In 1863 the first attempts at antisep-
tic treatment of all wounds began in our establishment. After
this we knew no more of offensive and supurating wounds; be-
fore this we had wounds infected with the larva of a multitude
of different kinds of flies which swarmed in southern climates.
I have known these to infest wounds five hours after they were
made. We did not have carbolic andphenic acid and the other
antiseptic preparations of the present day, but used calomel
and a weak solution of bichlorateof mercury, or petroleum and
turpentine. Thoroughly washed saw-dust and wheat bran, and
even corn meal saturated with a solution of these drugs and
dried in the oven, were used to prevent the access of Hies to the
wounds. In this hospital we had but one death from gangrene
and but One from tetanus. We had many amputations of
limbs, but never re-amputations.
Many of our soldiers who had bullets in their bodies
448
HISTORY OF THE
have thorn there yet. It was oar belief and experience tlia •
searching for bullets was more injurious than the bullets, so all
of thorn were undisturbed unless easily located* Gun slioi
fractures were treated with great success considering the fuel
that all the surroundings were unfavorable. What influenc
the mind has over the bones I do not know, but we found thai
a rixiety prevented tie- union of fractured bones. Now, thirty-
three years after these events I meet many .soldiers who tell iw
of the kindness and consideration shown them by the officer?
and nurses of our hospital department. Kindness under diili-
culties lasts forever.
After waiting here several weeks we got orders to move on
Corinth, Miss., the regiment advanced two or throe miles then
halted and threw up earth works. How many such lines of
works we made I do not remember, but it seemed that we wer<
all summer moving twenty miles. There must have been live
or six lines of these earth works from ten to seventeen miles
long, and behind them hundreds upon hundreds of wells dug to
obtain water, which must have been traps to capture the south-
ern people and their cattle ever since. During this advance of
twenty miles the daily skirmishing on the picket line gave the
Surgeons a great variety of gun shot wounds to keep them in
practice.
By this time the organization of the hospital force had
been so improved that upon going into action or advancing our
lines, it was the duty oi' the musicians to report to the Surgeon
where thev were organized into an ambulance corns and. with
a white band fastened to the left arm, followed with the ambu-
lances in rear of the lines ready to bear the wounded off in-
field, thus preventing the loss of an able bodied soldier to per-
form this duty; the dead were not moved until later.
When we reached Corinth we constructed permanent
hospitals in houses and well protected tents, thinking we were
to stay here a long time., in forty-eight hours, however, we had
marching orders and traveled south to Boonville, and a week
later back to Corinth again. Here we had a long stay, with
much sickness and many deaths, until fall, when we were at-
!
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS IXFANTUY. 410
tacked by Price and Van Dora, in the battle of Corinth, Oct.
3rd and 4th, one of the severest battles of the war, considering
the number engaged. The second day of this battle, when the
rebels had carried all our outer works except Forts Robinett
and Williams, and came pouring into town, the Federal com-
mander, General Rosecrans, with his staff, came by the Fiftieth
Illinois hospital and ordered tin.' baggage burned, saying that
we Were defeated and that he was going to the Tennessee river.
The surgeon decided that he would rid*1 down into town and
see how things looked before burning the stores; when he arri-
ved there the enemy was being driven out of town and our
forces were following them up with very destructive firing.
That night all our hospitals were crowded, font orders came to
make room for the rebel wounded. These we found to be hun-
gry and their wounds had been neglected for two davs. The
confederate Surgeons who came over to us by permission were
the strangest, drollest and most singular set of physicians we
had ever beheld, and from the language they used we concluded
that rebel Surgeons did not have to pass an examination before
appointment.
On the first day of this battle General Oglesby was
shot through the left ^ung^ the bullet lodging in his spinal
column, where it is to this day. At the tkne he fell it did not
seem possible he could live an hour, and all through (hat night
he had convulsive tremors through his body and difficulty of
bivathing, approaching very near to death ; two or three Sur-
geons were ordered to remain with him all night: his severe
wounds, although causing fatal symptoms, did not result in
death, as he is still alive, thirty-two years afterwards. For
i
many days President Lincoln required us to telegraph Oglesby's
condition to him night and morn.
General Hackleman, who was at Oglesby's side received
a bullet through his right shoulder and fell dead from his horse,
no vital part being touched by the ball. The wounded through
this battle were cared for, and such as could be moved were
carried north.
[ Some time after this the Surgeon of the Fiftieth Illinois
I
I *
I
1
450 HISTORY OF THE
offered his resignation, with the best possible reason for its ac-
ceptance, but the paper came back indorsed by General Grant,
"Surgeon Kendall's services are too valuable to this arniv to be
dispensed with, if he will apply in person at these headquarters
he can have a limited leave of absence.*' When I applied at
headquarters the General said, "Surgeon we cannot give leaves
of absence now • we do not know what moment we may move;
have you lost any hospital stores or instruments since you were
in the service?" I told him I had. He said ''very well, give
Surgeon Kendall an order to go and search for lost hospital
I
stores. Then he told me privately not to stay any longer than
1 wanted to, but if I came to Quiney T must keep in reach of
the telegraph. •
By November &2u-d, 18(32, 1st Assistant Surgeon Bane
had resigned to accept promotion, and 1st Lieutenant Albert G.
Pickett of company E, having been commissioned as 2nd Assis-
tant Surgeon, was left in charge.
On returning from this trip the train was thrown from
the track near Fayette, Tenn., by guerillas loosening the rails
and the whole outfit captured by sixteen guerillas. The Sur-
geon and his orderly, Wm. Pond of Co. I), with others, were
marched off in double quick time by the guerillas, and traveled
3*2 miles without rest, the guerillas being mounted and the
prisoners on foot. For four days we had scarcely anything to
eat. When these guerillas got to a safe place beyond pursuit of
- the Federal Cavalry the prisoners were separated, the line offi-
cers, privates and citizens were released on parole and allowed
to shift for themselves. After the other soldiers were gone
Captain Porter, in command of the guerillas, ordere'd the Sur-
geon to take1 a seat on a log and gave him twenty minutes to
say his prayers, saying that he disliked this, but was forced to
in retaliation, as my command had either shot or hung so many
of his scouts without trial. The Surgeon replied that no civil-
ized troops ever captured medical officers, and that he might
as well shoot a Chaplain. This captain had been a Baptist
preacher before the war. and not a bad man, for a guerilla, and
as he was open to reason and a good listener, the Surgeon grew
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
451
eloquent enough to change his purpose, for instead of shooting
hi ni he took him to his father-in-law's house and gave him a
good bed to sleep in, in the negro quarters.
Before bed time he invited him up stairs to examine his
wife who was very sick. His wife's father, who was a physician,
asked the Surgeon to prescribe for the sick woman. The next
day the Captain returned the Surgeon to the Federal lines. The
Surgeon returned to his command without money and without
clothes, except what the rebels chose to give him, but on arriv-
ing at Corinth the line and staff officers of the Fiftieth presen-
ted him with, a handsome uniform suit. After being in camp
for a day or two the Surgeon was summoned before a court
martial to be tried for absence without leave. On arriving at
the court trie Judge Advocate asked the Surgeon for his state-
ment ; he presented the order of General Grant; the Judge Ad-
vocate said "I guess this court martial is dissolved, we will not
go back of General Grant's order. Surgeon if you had left a
copy of your orders with your division commander we would
have been spared this unpleasant meeting.''
On our return march from Tuscumbia it rained in tor-
rents part of two days and nights and when we arrived in camp
we had been soaked through and chilled to the bones. After
this, in the summer of 1808, almost Um entire command was
sick for a month with chronic diarrhea, and those able to go
were sent to general hospitals north.
Soon now the troops began to arrive at Corinth from all
along the Mississippi river, to re-enforce Rosecrans army at
Chattanooga; getting ready for the great battles of Lookout
Mountain and Missionary Ridge. After the arrival of these
troops we had a great small pox scare at Corinth, but with the
exception of the Major at Pittsburg Landing, we had no cases
of small pox in our regiment.
Our next move was to Lynnville, Middle Tennessee. Here
we had a most remarkable case; in a quarrel between two pri-
vates of company K. Michael Hughes had his head split open
wit!< a spade from the crown to the right eye, by Andrew M.
Oileli, a portion of the brain was sliced off, halt an inch thick,
452
HISTORY OF THE
■
f ■
the whole depth of the right hemisphere, this lodged in the
wound and soiled by the ciay or dirt from the spado, made a
horrible sight. It was removed and tie1 wound cleaned as neat-
ly as possible and then the head bound with a leather bandage
The man recovered without an unpleasant symptom of any kind.
His captain said if any difference Mike was smarter than before
the accident; so lie must have had a surplus of "gray matter."
At this hospital at Lynnville, we had another remarkable
surgical case, a man by the name of Woodward, of the 2nd Ohio
independent battery, then attached to our division, was sent to
our hospital, apparently suffering from colic, his intestines be-
ing swollen and vomiting continued for two days, when a tu-
mor appeared in the right side of his abdomen, which indicated
entire obstruction of the bowels. His symptoms were so grave
that we decided to explore this tumor by incision. When the
cavity was opened the end of the large intestine was found to
be gangrenous ; when the pouch was opened we found something
that resembled sponge, but on careful inspection it was found
to be thirteen pieces of dried apple. "Another evidence that
thirteen is an unlucky number." The soldier had evidently ob-
tained these from the hospital stores and swallowed them with-
out chewing and they had become packed and swollen enough
to obstruct the bowels. This soldier, Woodward, recovered per-
fectly, although we removed tin7' dead portion of the intestines,
showing that he must have had a surplus of bowels and also
that all the obstructions of this part of the body is not neces-
.sarily appendicitis so commonly talked of now.
Another remarkable case at this hospital was H. W.
Humphrey of company I), win) had an eruption, and all the
general symptoms of small pox, he was hurried off to the pest
house at Pulaski, but his case proved to be one ol measles.
Being in the pest house, however, he had to stay there, ami as
soon as the measles were over he had smallpox. After the war
was over lie thought of suing the Surgeons for their mistake in
diagnosis. The statute ^t' limitation, however, interfered with
this action as militarv officers in the lime of war are not res-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
453
t
ponsible to the civil courts for actions performed in line of
duty.
The army rations at this time consisted of bread, hard-
tack mostly, bacon or beef, beans, coffee and salt and occasion-
ally what the soldiers called desecrated (desiccated) vegetables.
At Lynn vi He Surgeon Kendall left the Fiftieth regiment
under orders from General G. M. Dodge to proceed to Pulaski,
Term., and report to General Thos. A. Sweeney and assume the
duties of Surgeon in Chief of the second division of the 16th
army corps. From this time on through all the great battles
in Georgia, he was entirely separated from the regiment, but
with the division until at Resacca, when he was left behind to
attend the wounded, and from there was ordered to the front
with General Dodge and with him the Chaplain and hospital
force.
While at the fool of Kennesaw mountain, after the charge
of the 4th division of the 16th corps, which was almost annihi-
lated, the Surgeon work was interminable, and from pure ex-
haustion and unrest he had an attack of typhoid fever, which
confined him to bed for several weeks. During this sickness
lie started to Quincy. on leave of absence, by hospital train;
when a few miles north of Resacca, Georgia, heavy tiring was
heard and smoke seen a short distance in front. The Surgeon
being ranking officer on the train, although delirious with fever,
ordered the conductor to run the train back to Resacca; this
act of the delirious officer saved the train from falling into the
hands of the confederate cavalry, the advance section of our
train being captured, was unloaded and burned on the track.
The sick and wounded were dumped into the woods without
care or attendants, their officers and nurses were marched off
as prisoners. A few hours after this the road was cleared and
the next day forty trains passed over it.
Near the track was the quarters of Surgeon G. II. Bane,
formerly Assistant Surgeon of the Fiftieth, who kindly and
tenderlv took him and his nurse in and gave them every at ten-
tion and care possible. A few days later this regiment was or-
dered to Tunn.-l Hill and the Surgeon and attendant accompa-
454 HISTORY OF THE
nied them, intending to continue the journey north. But on
account of the severe pain from rheumatism of the spin*-1, from
which he was suffering, he was unable to proceed further.
Through the kind attention and care given him by Dr. Bane he
speedily recovered and the term of his leave of absence having
expired, he returned to Home, arriving there on the 20th of
June, assisted in the duties there until in September, when he
returned to Illinois, and was mustered out October 2Gth. 16&4,
impaired in health, and confined to bed for five months, ami
never returned again to duty except as Medical Examiner of
drafted men in Quincv, where he vas engaged when the news
came that the war was over. The next day after the dreadful
news that Lincoln was assassinated had been received almost
every house in Quincv was draped in mourning. Indeed it
would not have been safe for any citizen to have shown that
he was not sorry. The feelings of the people were such that
they would have felt it their duty to annihilate any one who
said a word against Lincoln at that time.
Surgeon A. G. Pickett entered the service on the 24th
day of August, 1881, as 1st Lieutenant of company E. and was
commissioned as 2nd Assistant Surgeon December 18th, 1802;
was with the regiment continuously, serving with fidelity and
skill. Brave as the bravest, he did not hesitate to go where
duty called, and manv of the boys will recall with pleasure his
careful and watchful attention while upon the battle field, and
the regret manifested when it was learned that, on account of
the wound received at Allatoona, he would have to bid us good
by.
The premonitions of death, and the fulfillment of these
premonitions, and also other peculiar forms of death and acci-
dent attending, are. with the Fiftieth, as with other troops.
Among them we will record a few now in mind:
While in St. Joseph, Mo., Private Luke Thomas of com-
pany E, was killed by falling from a two story window.
At Clarksville, Tenn., Private John Manifold of company
D, a good soldier, who had been unwell since Donelson, reported
to the Surgeon to lie excused from duly. Col, Bane being pres-
•
ASS'T SURGEON ALBERT G. PICKETT.
.v*:
-. I
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 455
ent he was joked some for being homesick, and sad and discon-
solate retired to his bunk. The next morning, March 20th, '62)
failing to report at roll-call was found dead. He undoubtedly
was homesick and being weakened from the exposure, died from
the effect; quite a number of the Fiftieth were so affected and
died. It was generally understood that, for this trouble, if the
patient could be got angry he would recover from its effect. A
remedy of this kind was effectually applied by Lieutenant Ha-
selwood of company 1), to one of that company at Shiloh.
Premonitions of death were frequent. Shiloh was noted
for quite a number of such circumstances, notably among them
was that of Sergeant Major Hughes. It has already been noted
in this volume the wishes expressed by some of the enemies of
the Union at his old home in Adams county, but it is not gen-
erally known even among the members of the Fiftieth that he
had received a premonition of death that day. The fact being
that Adam Hughes being a graduate in medicine, and the Sur-
geon, well acquainted with his professional abilities, had, on
the morning of the 6th of April, had him detailed to assist in
the medical department, but as we marched to the field became
to the Surgeon and said: "I have a presentiment that I will be
killed to-day, and I think it looks cowardly to be detailed after
the battle has begun, as I enlisted as a soldier I had rather be
killed in line than any where else.-1 After we were in line of
battle awaiting orders we saw a line of infantry approaching us,
but as it was foggy and smoky, and they had blue over-coats
on we could not make them out. Hughes volunteered and bv
consent of Col. Bane, went forward to reconnoiter, and was
shot down as soon as he got in range of them.
Jacob Fisher of company A, was another singular case.
As he was ordered forward to the skirmish line, he remarked,
"Come on, boys, its just as easy to be killed here as there." He
was wounded in the side and succeeded in getting to the rear,'
where his body was found by some of his comrades the next
day, reclining against a tree. This soldier's death is recorded
in the Adjutant General's Report of Illinois, as having occured
at St. Louis, Mo., Mav 27th, 1802, of wounds.
HISTORY OF THE
James Richardson of company A. while the regiment was
forming, handed his effects, watch, pocket book and other arti-
cles, to Charley Purcell, who was unwell and not able to go
with the regiment, with the request, "that he send them to his
wife, as he was going to be killed that day." When he made
the remark it was received by his comrade with a laugh, which
was instantly silenced by Richardson saying. '"'Charley, this is
nothing to laugh at." He took the articles; Richardson was
killed at the first lire on the skirmish line, while Purcell was
sent north a few days later and died in the hospital at St. Louis
May 31st, 18(32.
Francis A. Don ahoo of company A, not severely wounded,
was taken to the hospital at Savannah, and there lockjaw set
in, after three days of intense suffering passed away April 30th,
18(32, George Bartells attending him in his fatal illness. Quite
a number of northern ladies were in attendance at the hospital
here, among them Mrs. Governor John Wood, of Quincy. The
following touching tribute to this soldier is in the Quincy Whig
and Republican of May 7th. 1862, sent by a kind attendant:
"A funeral service was a new event at Savannah. Some
of the convalescents and others followed to the grave, where
was found ten sickly looking men digging graves. I remained
about two hours at the grave, assisted in digging and filling it,
and in preparing a headboard with name, company and regi-
ment, and circumstance of his death; all the grave diggers
joined in the service. Giving them a dollar I asked them to
take good care of that grave of aMendon bov whose mother was
so far away, and to water a few roots of evergreen, which a kind
Union lady of the place had gave me to set out, with the hope
of soon covering the mound."
Reuben Grigsby of company D, also well known at Pay-
son, was a happy fellow, always full of fun. Part of the time
that morning he was silent and looked depressed. The Sur-
geon said to him as they marched along, ''What's the matter,
Rube, are you scared?" "No," he said, "but I feel that I will
be killed to-day." To Isaac Ogle lie said, "this is my last day
on earth," and to Lieut. Haselwood he directed a few remarks
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 457
in the friends at home, one of which was, "tell them old rube
DIED FIGHTING FOR HIS COUNTRY."
Alexander Waller of the same company was sick with
vellow jaundice and at the hospital when the long roll sounded,
hurrying back to the regiment in time to march away; he
and Grigsby died together, one with twelve the other with eight
holes in him; death was instantaneous in both cases. When
Grigsby was buried on Tuesday evening, his body rigid, part of
a cartridge between his teeth and his eyes still wearing a look
of determination that can never be forgotten. By their side
fell W. Larimore and Robert Colwell, with five wounds each,
i he wounds similar in nature and location. They lay on the
ground until Tuesday and died some days later. As the enemy
passed over the wounded soldiers, they, with the dead about
them, were robbed of their valuables and some of their shoes.
As Colwell was being carried north on the steamer Black Hawk,
about an hour after leaving Pittsburg he died, April 14th, 1.862,
with the request, "Tell my mother I died for my country.'*
Mathew J. Nelson of company D, at Shiloh, being sepa-
rated from the regiment had failed to appear at night and was
jokingly censured for cowardice. May 21st, '62, as he marched
«.nit on the picket line said to Lieut. Haselwood, "I'm gone up
to-day; send, this picture to rny girl and tell her / died game"
shook hands and was gone to be seen no more.
W, I). Turner of company E, at Shiloh, relates:
"At the first sound of the guns something seemed to say
to me, 'you are going to be shot to-day.' Unable to to shake off
the feeling of dread as we hurried out to battle I made certain
requests of my comrade, Albert Jordan. He asked me if I was
going to be shot, I replied, yes; but could not tell whether I
would be killed or not. He advised me not to go as I was ex-
cused by the doctors. I went, and while in the act of shooting
a color bearer in our front, a buckshot struck my cap passing
through the visor and burying itself in my skull. * * *"
The tragic death of Lewis Zolman of company G, as also
the wounding of George W. Daines of company K, has already
h'M-n related, and we will mention the case of a soldier in com-
(29)
.
■
458 HISTORY OF THE
pany F, while in camp south of Corinth, the boys, full of fun,
always considered it a great joke if roll-call would pass arid
some one would be caught napping, thus being obliged to serve
on extra duty. This soldier failed tc turn out, and the boys-
when dismissed, rushed to his quarters to pull him out. What
was their astonishment to find him cold in death.
Lieut. Joe Morgan and John W. Alexander of Co F, were
fast friends and chums. The first is very small in size and
measured only 5 ft. 4-J inches, while the latter stood 0 ft. 2«
As a recollection of the circumstance Joe writes as follows:
"Charlie — After the battle and surrender of Donelson
you remember the slap-jacks we made with the ilour we captur-
ed, and the pork and molasses that we eat on those slap-jack-.
Well, the exposure that we endured during the seige, and the
rich grub we eat, and the river water we. drank was too rich for
our blood, and a great many of us got sick. However, I kept
up while Alexander had to go to the hospital. I think he was
sent to Mound City, and did not rejoin the regiment until after
the battle of Shiloh. In talking it over he remarked that he
was glad he was not there, "for,'7 said he, "if I had been here, 1
would have been killed." 1 tried to laugh him out of the no-
tion but he said he knew that had he been at the battle of Shi-
loh he would have been killed, and further he said, he "knew
he would be killed in the next battle he got into." I did not
believe in any such presentiment, and told him so; from this
he seemed to think that I would believe he was afraid to go
into battle, for he said, "I don't propose to shirk duty, but 1
know I will be killed in the first battle I get into." He was
detailed as color bearer and the result is recorded, he fell
while gallantly waving the Hag before the foe."
At Allatoona, Lemuel G. Poe of company P>, while in
the fort before the charge, came to Lieut. Dun lap and with th"
remark, "I will be killed to-day; here is fifty dollars. I want
yott to take and send it to my mother." The Lieutenant tried
to persuade him that it was but a notion, and that he was a>
likely to be killed as lie was. But he insisted on him taking \\,
which he did, Poe went into the fight with this weighing eH
j
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
I
hi.s mind, but no better or braver soldier than he ever carried
forty rounds. He was killed as the regiment reached the fort
i u the west side.
Of this comrade the following is told: Private Thomas
Dtdaplain of company P, was fortunate to be left at Rome that
day on guard. While sitting with others, conversing, he said
to them, "I am sure Lem. Pee will be killed to-day." Joked
about it he replied, " 'tis no joking matter, the first news we
hear of the boys we will hear of his death — mark my words/'
rmd so it proved to be.
Corporal Samuel Pike of company I, while riding on the
e&rs to AHatoona, requested his chum, Corporal Andy M. Thomp-
son., to take charge ol his effects and send them to his mother.
The request being gently refused by his comrade who, thinking
it a whim caused by excitement and hi3 nervousness, but being
requested again, with tears, consented. He was the only son of
u widow, his brother having been killed a few days previous.
serving in a cavalry regiment. On the 5th, just as the regiment
reached the fort on the west side, he fell with a bullet through
ins head, but a few feet from Lemuel Poe.
These items are written here as an illustration of what
was constantly occuring among all the troops. After the bat-
tle of Shiloh it was seldom that a request from any of the boys
to do such a favor was ever disregarded or made sport of.
The sick in hospital and camp, always missed the gentle
rare of female attendants, and the boys who were fortunate
enough to be attended by them in their illness have always
hmn filled with gratitude.
To Mrs. Colonel Bane, who was devoted to the care of
the sick, not only in the hospital but the camp, will ever be
tendered our fondest regards. Too much praise cannot be be-
stowed upon her and her friends for their gentle ministrations.
One very remarkable experience in hospital .work, was
I he diUt-rence of behavior and bearing the pain, sulYering and
discomforts of our Union men and the rebels. Our men were
patient, brave and grateful* full of fortitude. The rebs were
cross, winning, complaining and. ungrateful for services rend-
i
460 HISTORY OF THE
ered. The rebel Surgeons were indifferent to their men's con-
dition, and would not do anything for tliem unless compelled
to, while prisoners, saying it was our business to attend their
wounded. In the hospital service of the Fiftieth there never
was made anv difference in attending the needs of any soldier
wounded or sick, whether lie wore the blue or grey. Help was
extended to both as far as our ability permitted. Some few of
the rebs appreciated the labor and kindness, but many cursed
the hands that blessed them.
We regret that we cannot follow the fortunes of all the
members of the hospital force, but of these we write : W, W.
Pond was promoted to Hospital Steward and served with the
regiment until mustered out, July loth, 1865.
Thomas II. Leslie of company G, was appointed Hospital
Steward, U. S. A., on the 13th day of February, 1864, by Major
General H. W. Halleck, and served in the field with the 16th
A. C, as witness the following:
Medical Director's Office. )
Headquarters Department & Army of the Tennessee,
Kennesaw Mt., Ga., July 1, ISOJ/.. \
Hospital Steward T. H. Leslie, U. S.- A., is directed to
proceed to the hospital of the 16th A. G, at Allatoona. Ga.,
with stores for the sick and wounded of that corps, at that
place.
By order
Maj. Gen'i Mcpherson.
D. L. Huntington,
AssH Slug. U. S. A., Ass't Med. Die.
Surgeon James A. Williams was mustered into the regi-
ment in the fall of 1864, joined the regiment at Savannah, Ga.
His service with us, of but a few months, demonstrated ability
and skill, and his ministrations were kindly and gratefully re-
ceived, and fondly cherished by all who knew him.
Our chapter on this subject will not be complete without
a few words of commendation to our old nurse, George C, Bar-
tells, who from the very first, %\ 1 1 Lit • at St. Joseplj, was detail* il
\
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
461
as a nurse in the hospital. This, to many of the boys, was con-
sidered a soft snap. lie was continually on duty at the regi-
mental hospital, and at no time relieved for more than three or
four days; in fact, and beyond question, to him many of the
boys may attribute their recovery from the dangerous sickness
from which they suffered. Y\Te remember his positive attention
while, as head nurse at the hospital south of Corinth, when it
became evident that a number of the boys, prefering to lay in
camp to doing duty on camp and picket guard in the hot sun,
would report to the Doctors as sick and get excused from duty;
having received their medicine to be taken in their quarters,
would throw it away and the path from the hospital to regi-
mental quarters was strewn with medicine, George soon stop-
ped that, and it was with great disgust, when the patients
being handed a pint cup nearly half full of castor oil, was com-
manded to "take it down, at once sir! RIGHT NOW! That's
the orders!" Tis needless to say the cure was effectual and
the health of the troops improved at once.
At Lynnville the hospital was in a church; the seats
were turned two together, making very comfortable cots, occu-
pied by two lying feet to feet. Here members of several regi-
ments were treated, and the force was insufficient to attend
Ileum— to lift and care for these helpless men, was a heavy task,
and during this work George gave out one day completely. He
was picked up and carried to a cot and there for several days
he lay in an almost helpless state. This was while the regi-
ment was enjoying its veteran furlough. On the march he was
one of the hospital force until we reached Resacca, when they
were left behind to attend the wounded. Arriving at Kingston
after the regiment had gone to Rome, and no communication
being established, tie* whole force, including the Chaplain, were
ordered to the front by General Dodge, as attendants at the di-
vision field hospital. Here he finished his term of . service, ex-
cepting a few week- at Rome, where he was mustered out Sept.
— fch, 1SG4, with his health impaired, as simply Private George
C. Bartells.
George C. B-ar tolls was born July 1st, 1S41, in the village
\
462
HISTORY OF THE
of Rheden, Kingdom of Hannover, Germany. His father re-
moved with his family to the U, S. A. in 1858, settling in Vir-
ginia, in the part now known as West Virginia, but slavery was
there, and as a freedom seeking and loving person could not
reconcile himself to a slaveholding community. The family
removed to Illinois in 1855, where the mother died a few weeks
aft^r arrival. The family being broken up, George C. was taken
into the family of G. H. Case of Warsaw, Hancock countv. 111..
where he attended the high school for three years and had just
entered the preparatory department of Quincy College when
the war broke out and he, with most of the students, enlisted
in the armv. He belonged to the Quincv Cadets which, under
Lieut, Letton, formed a contingent to company C.
""*" ^^lailiiijiSiiipi
>■'
ENTRANCE TO SHILOH CEMETERY.
■
\
CHAPTER XXIV
FII T1KTH KEGLMENT ILLS. VOL. INET Y RE-UNION ASSOCIATION.
Organization of the Association — History Talk — Slow Work — Getting Down to
Business— Enjoyable Times.
r is deemed fitting that a brief account should be given of
the above organization which shall comprehend its life
from commencement to the present time. A letter written
by Comrade Lewis F. Collins of company F, now a resident of
Macomb, Ills., contained the following item, is taken from the
Macomb Journal of October 7th, 1SSG.
tS8G.
"On Wednesday, September 29th, at the Military Tract
Reunion, held at Bushnell. Illinois, a number of the boys of the
<jhl Blind Half Hundred came together and effected an organi-
zation of the Fiftieth Illinois. The meeting was called to order
bv Ool. M. M. Bane of Quincy, 111. L. R. Collins of company
F, of Macomb, was chosen president and Dr. Wm. S. Strode of
G, of Bernadotte, secretary. It was decided to call the organic
/at ion "The Veteran Association of the 50th Illinois Infantry."
Captain S, W, King, Co. G, now of La Harpe, Ills.; C.
Covert, Co. E, of Bushnell, and Dr. W. S. Strode, were selected
us a committee of correspondence, and were instructed to com-
municate with as many of the old boys as possible. The secre-
tary was instructed to publish a call inviting all members of the
regiment to attend the' Re-union and Soldier's Home Dedica-
-
<
464
HISTORY OF THE
tion at Quincy, Illinois, on October 19th, 20th and 21st, 1 S ^ 7 T
for the purpose of effecting a permanent organization. The
meeting to convene at 1 :80 p. in. of the 20th.
In pursuance of this action a meeting was held as set
forth in a minute of the proceedings as follows:
1887.
"On the 20th of October, being the second day of the Re-
union" and dedication of the Soldier's Home at Quincy, about
seventy-five members of the regiment being present, what is re-
corded as the First annual re-union took place, and the follow-
ing officers were elected for the ensuing year:
"Col. M. M. Bane, President.
''Lieut. Col. Wm, Hanna, Vice President.
"Capt. S. W. King, company G, Secretary.
"Adjourned to meet at the call of the officers."
1888.
At the Second annual re-union, held at Quincy, October
9th, 10th, and 11th, after a season of great enjoyment and profit
the old officers were re-elected with the exception of secretary.
Dapt. S. W. King, who was then sick in his last illness. Lieut.
C. F. Hubert was chosen to that office.
At this re-union it was decided to publish a history of
the regiment, and the name of the organization was changed to
its present title, "50tli Keyiment Illinois Volunteer Er; far* try
Re-union Association.'1
On the 11th of October the association, in company with
members of the 3rd Missouri cavalry, 7th Illinois cavalrv and
27th Illinois infantry, marched out to the Soldier's and Sailor's
Home and held a camp-fire, with the regular army dish of
beans, sow-belly and hard-tack.
1889.
The Third re-union was also held in Quincy, September
ISth and 19th, at the same time as the Military Tract Associa-
tion of Illinois. At this meeting plans were proposed by which
the work of publishing the history could proceed. The officers
elected this year were:
;
I
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 465
Lieut. Col. Wmu Hanna, President.
Capt. W. K. Haselwood, Vice President.
Priv. Geo. C. Bartells, Treasurer.
Adj't C. F. Hubert, Secy.
Numerous letters of regret were received from absent
members, and among them was the following tribute from Col.
Bane to the officers and men of the Fiftieth:
Washington, D. C, Sept. 18th, 1889.
.»/■/ Dear Comrades of the 50th Ills. Inft'y;
I have hoped during all the past year that I should have
tin* great pleasure of being with you at this re-union. As the
next best thing I will, talk to you through this letter. It has
occurred to me, and I presume to you as well, that in the great
organizations of our national military force, regiments come
nearer being a military family in all that pertains to the fam-
ily than any other sub-division. The time, manner and local-
ity in which our regiment was raised, largely contributed to
snake the survivors of the ''Old Blind Half" feel more and more
like a family of brothers. The ideas and spirit that recruited
our regiment sprang out of the firing on Sumpter, the 14th day
of April, 1S61. The patriotic people of the nation, especiallv
th" great Xorth, as one man, sprang to arms in defense of the
insulted flag and imperiled union.
Most of you will remember the mighty political inllu-
■:u/t's that were added to the rising resistless wave of patriot-
ism, by th- grand and manly stand taken by Stephen A. Doug-
lus, which at once brought to the help of our country his most
powerful political supporters, such as our mighty commander
Grant, and the greatest of our volunteer soldiers, John A.
Logan.
The fact is that more than half the regiment was made
up in our own county; it was contemplated for a time to call
it The Adams County Regiment. It is not likely that so larg»>
:t number of soldiers from any other one county in the State,
save, perhaps. Cook, attached themselves to any one regiment
>'-* fc'as the ease with the Fiftieth Illinois. It is also true that
460
HISTORY OF THE
I
the bulk of the regiment was recruited from the farms and
small villages. It is highly gratifying to all of us living to-dav
to know that it was the loftiest motives of patriotism that fill-
ed our ranks; no sordid motives of gain or bounty from the
nation, or of gain or extra pay from the State, county or city;
but purely from that love of country and home, which makes a
liberty loving people unconquerable.
As I look upon our re-unions as the gathering together of
the loving .survivors of the old regimental family, I shall write
to you in a homelike spirit and not for the public eye or the
critic that knows nothing of the sacred, sad and trying experi-
ences that have so closely knit our hearts together; so now let
us louk into one another's faces and talk frankly. I think I
can say to you all, that we had as good a regiment in all res-
pects as ever went into the service. Our regiment went through
the war and was honorably mustered out at its close, and came
back to civil life with an honorable military record, marching
home in triumph under an awarded banner, which proclaimed
the regiment the first of all the regiments of the great Annv of
the Tennessee in both drill and discipline. Such a marked evi-
dence of discipline and drill is not only the best evidence of its
value and military worth in time of war, but also the best evi-
dence of its sterling moral tone, and that at the close of the
war the regiment would step back into elevated and progressive
citizenship.
During all its varied military history no serious disaster
of any kind ever fell to its lot. Its commanders never suffered
it to be lured into ambush or led into disaster and capture. It
has never been charged with robbery, debauchery or other crime.
nor has it ever been in any way dishonorably disciplined by any
of its commanders during the war.
We had the good fortune to be a part of the Army of the
Tennessee, whose first commander was General Grant, the na-
tion's greatest commander. Our regiment was in the field early,
only a few small battles had been fought before we were at the
front ready for service. After these we were in the front lire-
till the close of the war; from Forts Henry and Dbnelson. Shi
•
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 4GT
|i.»h, Seige of Corinth. Iuka, Corinth and Hatohee, on and in oil
the inarches, seiges and battles under the immortal Sherman,
down to the sea; witnessing the last enemy surrender, and fin-
al |y was a part of the triumphal march and great review at the
nation's capital. With what pride, joy and exultation every
man who was mustered out at Louisville, returned to his home
and his loved ones, who had been waiting and praying for your
r< turn at the close of a bloody war for a redeemed country.
I have,as yet spoken only of the general character of the
regiment; the ideas, influences and circumstances under which
it grew and became such a military organization as it did
finally, of which we may all be proud. I have said not a word
uf the work or influence of any company or person, private or
officer.
The sacred brotherly and charitable feelings of our com-
rail ship will protect the ashes of our dead, as well as the char-
acters of our living ones, from unjust and harsh criticism, no
matter what their failings or shortcomings. Let us, however,
he bold, frank and most generous in talking of the good, brave
and honorable work and influence of those, either dead or liv-
ing, whose every effort was to build up and discipline the regi-
ment. We will therefore examine the roster of men and offi-
cers; let us speak especially of some of the good but modest
men.
The original Field and Starr will compare favorably with
most regiments that went from our State.
Col. Wm. Swarthbtit will always be remembered for his
uniform kindness of heart towards every soldier, and for his
unusual industry and efficiency in all and every duty pertain-
ing to his rank anal position until his disability took him out
oi the service. Now in his declining years and his broken
health let us, in Loyalty, remember him with the warmest fra-
ternity.
Col. Gaines. All who knew him well, knew him to be
one of the most conscientious, brave and true officers in the
- rvico; naturally a high minded man, with a very strong reli-
gious character, he was never known to use a profane word.
468
HISTORY OF THE
I
\
■
Col. Hanna was his best friend and warm admirer, and he told
me that even when Gaines was mad, that the worst word lie
ever heard him use was, "Now boys, by Jo Betsy, I won't stand
it." Even when under fire he would say, "by Jo Betsy boys,
give it to 'em — pour it into 'em!"
I have heard that Col. Hanna tells of a dream he had a
few nights after Shiloh, in which he makes Gaines figure. He
dreamed he and others of the regiment died and, of course went
to Heaven. Apostle Peter opened the trap door from time to
time, as'" one after another knocked for admittance, when finally
Gaines put his bald head up Peter put his foot on it. and said,
"00 back and come up here right end foremost," but Col. Han-
na stepped forward and explained to Peter and at once Gaines
was admitted and Peter apologized. There is one thing about
Hanna's dream that we all know will come true, when Colonel
Gaines does die, Peter will let him into Heaven as quickly as
he will any man from the Fiftieth Illinois. All that know him
will never forget that in all and every emergency in his entire-
service, he was brave, cool and vigilant. We well remember
the compliment paid him, and you all of the Fiftieth Illinois,
on the bloody field of Shiloh, by General Grant, for planting
yourselves in line of battle at a charge bayonets, to check and
turn back the appalling rout of some of our troops. Xor have
we forgotten his gallantry when, in command of a squad that
charged upon and captured twice their number with their cm-
mander, Major Fontaine^ in Tennessee, near Pulaski, where
nothing but real dash, with lots of good sense, saved his life
and his brave little command. His memory will be ever dear
and sweet in our hearts.
Col. Win. Hanna is doubtless with you to-day, and I
know no greeting is wanner than his. I have many things 1
would like to say of Col. Hanna. but I know him to be so mod-
est that I fear 1 might in his judgment overstep what I might
regard as prudent bounds. To his care and industry, military
skill and indomitable perseverenee, more than any other man.
is (]u^ the good discipline, character, military standing and
skill of our regiment. It was bat a fitting compliment that
i
i
r
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 469
our nobly State recognized Col. Hanna's worth, and upon his
return home commissioned him to train and instruct our sons
in the art of war. And that, also, was placed in his care and
keeping that precious silk banner, that symbol of regimental
honor, won by him and you, in a contest with hundreds and
thousands of disciplined and battle scarred soldiers of the
Army of the Tennessee. He still lives and is among us enjoy-
ing his well earned honors, an illustration of that beautiful
scripture, that "the ways of the righteous man are ways of
pleasantness and his paths are paths of peace"— long may he
live and blessed will be his memory.
Of our Surgeons, all taken together, we may well say no
regiment was ever better equipped. Of the Surgeon in Chief,
Dr. Kendall, so ardently devoted was he to the old "Blind Half
Hundred," with which he enlisted for the war, that when offer-
ed high promotion on the staff of Gen'l Grant, he refused the
honor because it would take him tmuy from his first love, the
Fiftieth Illinois. He served his time out and returned to his
home and his profession, in which he is truly profound. As
the friend of the old, broken and disabled soldier, no army
Surgeon surpasses him ; so that when he gets to Heaven he will
rank like Corporal Tanner; Kendall, for rating most highly the
crippled and disabled soldier's disabilities, and Tanner for ra-
ting m<>st highly the poor soldier's pensions. His skill, learn-
ing and experience was the sure protection of all our wounded,
sick or disabled. No disaster, mischief or other serious trouble
ever came to our hospital, or to any of its inmates, while he was
at its head. No mistakes were made either with his knife or
his drugs. The great Caiise for which trie regiment was fighting
was near to his heart. Every wounded and bleeding soldier
from the field, brought to ins hospital, was a fresh reminder of
tie' great principles of Liberty- and Justice, for which the sol-
dier fell.
Such was the material of our Surgeon in Chief, and you
all know that our First Assistant Surgeon, my brother, was like
him in devotion to duty. In helping the sick and wounded at
Chieamauga he caught his death and now sleeps in a soldier's
470
HISTORY OF THE
j
■
I
grave. So it was in all our departments, especially in our
quartermaster and commissary department. Win. Keal, our
quartermaster, I knew before the war, during the war, and have
known him ever since the war. A more kind hearted, gener-
ous and honest man does riot exist. (It is true he once thought
he was in trouble and it greatly worried him because he was
honest and wanted every thing right; but his accounts were
adjusted and not one breath of suspicion rested any where
against his official integrity.)
Quartermaster Henry King was really quite a wonder in
that line. He was truly a master spirit in that great depart-
ment. He grew in skill, in ability, in rank, and still more in
honor, from the time he entered till the close of the war, and
has been growing all the time since the war, and is now editor
of one of the greatest papers in our country. We may well be
proud of Captain Henry King.
T wish I had time to speak of other dear ones who have
helped in making up the character of our regiment, some of
whom are among the first business men of our country.
Let us not forget Charles F. Hubert and his spotless
record. He was brave as the bravest when and wherever tried,
and never found wanting; through rain, hail and storm, in
camp, on the inarch or on £h© battle-field ; the old "blind half*'
always got her mail when "Charley'" was our post master.
Private Cheney of company A, became a scientific phy-
sician and figured in foreign medical journals.
Private George C. Bartells, company C, is well known in
Adams county as one of our most reliable citizens, and a prac-
tical druggist. During his long service he was noted for his
kindness and skill in the care of our hospital patients, and
among his neighbors no man stands higher for sterling char-
acter.
The religious character of our reginient was never pro-
nounced. The Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians had a
respectable following. Free thought was quite prevalent and
free religion and liberal religion had many followers. There
were quite a number of Universalis ts at an early period, but as
;
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
471
t
g
the wickedness of the rebellion fully developed, most of them
became believers in the hottest hell.
Our Chaplain, Dear Brother Bigger, as you all remember
wag a Presbyterian of the strictest kind, but his camp experi-
ence made him more liberal. He was a good and true man and
did excellent work among our sick especially in the hospitals.
The boys all respected but often took liberties with him. He
told me a little joke a sick boy got off on him ouch. He thought
the poor boy was going to die and. with all solemnity approach-
ed him, with a view of having a season of prayer. After con-
siderable talk, quoting from scripture the glorious rewards of
those who die in the Lord, just as the Cb&plain was kneeling
for prayer, the boy turned his face to him and said, "look here,
Chaplain, if you think I am going to die I'll tell you what I
will do; I have but five dollars in the world, but I'll wager that
that I don't kick the bucket this time." Then he pulled out of
his pocket a letter from his mother and father urging him to
keep up good courage, get well and come home on a furlough.
"Xo sir! Chaplain. I'll not die by a jug full, I am going home,
Chaplain, before I go to Heaven/' He went back the next
morning and the good fellow was better, soon was convalescent
and on his way home. Dear, good man, he has gone to Heaven;
let us tenderly cherish his memory.
Now boys, inasmuch as the seal and yellow leaf of life is
coming to Us all, there are a few thoughts which I want to
press upon your minds:
First — That it is the duty of every honorably discharged
s<ddier toconnect himself with the G. A. R.. because your name,
company and regiment goes from them at once to the survivors
rolls in the pension bureau, so if your affidavit is needed to aid
some poor comrade ill getting his pension, yon can be. found,
ihe G. A. K. is now four hundred and twenty-four thousand
strong, and is rapidly growing, and it now speaks with great
authority to Congress, on all questions of legislation tending to
aid the old soldier.
From our organization has already grown the Woman's
Itelief Corps and Sons of Veterans, as well as the Wniw-n of,
47:2
HISTORY OF THE
the G. A. R., and Daughters of Veterans. These organizations
aro becoming so wide spread that no one need be without th<'ir
benefits.
There are some soldier organizations that are expensive
and exclusive, these are not of that class; and not one of the
other organizations or societies in all our broad land exert such.
power in national affairs as the G. A. R. audits auxiliaries, and
by keeping alive the memory of the experiences that bound us
together as soldiers of a great war, they become our most valua-
ble schools of patriotism.
Second — Let us bear in mind our historian. Let us keep
our hearts in his work, in which each of us has a deep personal
interest, and may know some important incident that ought h>
be recorded. Knowing, as we do, the man, we all know he will
give us a most excellent and attractive book, which will be a
lasting honor to us and to our children.
Let our future re-unions and future days grow better as
we grow older, and may our last hours be inspired by the
thought that we lived in and took so honorable a part in the
grand achievements for our race as have fallen to the lot of our
republic during the last half century.
Yours in Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty,
"m: m. bane,
Late Colonel 50th Ilk. laity.
I8S0.
The Fourth annual re-union was held at Clayton, on Sep-
tember 18th. A royal reception was tendered us on this occa-
sion. The Woman's Relief Corps and Sons of Veterans, aided
by every citizen, old and young, did their best to show their ap-
preciation of the honor conferred by our presence.
At 0:o0 a. m. the assembly call was sounded at the G.
A. R. hall, and once again the "Boys" of the old regiment as-
sembled and fell in line under command of Col. Itanna, and,
headed by the Clayton Drum Corps, escorted by the Sons of
Veterans, marched to Lackey's .Grove, where a# address of wel-
come was delivered and short speeches made, after which a bus-
iness meeting was held. On motion of Comrade J.J. Karl it
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
478
was ordered that the wives of deceased members of the regiment
i u placed on the roll of the Association and admitted to all the
privileges of the Association. The following names were then
rii rolled:
Ah'ee Hughes Burton, 111 Widow of Horatio Hughes Co C
t <
ik
(I
James Simmons " E
Samuel Chapman .. . " H
Cliories Dodd i! B
W. C. Rosa 4i E
J. P. Lasley. " E
John Fulton •« D
J. M. Cyrus " E
M. H. Riley " E
Lucy A. Simmons. .Farminglon, Iowa. . . '
Ada line Chapman. Waylanu, Kas '
1 leu jiie Dodd Davenport, Iowa. ... '
Clementine Ross . .Camp Point, 111 '
Mary Lasley ...'.. .Camp Point. Ill
Hester A. Fulton . .Quincy, 111
Ktnma A. Cyrus . .Quincy, 111 '
j'eiiah Riley Chetopa, Kas •
The History matter was discussed and the committee in
charge urged to push the work of soliciting orders for the book
and data for the work. A number of letters were read from
absent comrades. The roll of companies was called and some
ninety responded "Here." The old officers were re-elected. This
concluing the business session. Orders came from the Presi-
dent ,of the Relief Corps to "fall in for grub." This order was
obeyed with unusual promptness, for the old bovs had not
»■ Ax' %/
forgotten then fondness for the pork and beans, and with the
refrain of —
MBeans for Breakfast,
Beans for Dinner,
Beans for Supper,
Beans, Beans, Beans."
They marched from the grove and were escorted to the "Bean
Table,'' or more properly speaking, to the banquet hall, for a
banquet it was indeed.
A vote of thanks was tendered the good, loyal ladies and
good people of Clayton. In the evening, as a grand finale, a
eampfire was held, and never was an opera house so crowded,
nor feast of song and speech so grandly rendered, as on this
occasion. ■ ■
1891.
At Camp Point, October 20th and 21st; oeeured the Fifth
annual re-union. This was held in connection with the 78th
{■■•>">
474 HISTORY OF THE
Illinois. Ample preparations were made for a large gathering;,
and all who came were royaly received. Space forbids' an ex-
tended report of all that occurred. Suffice to say the roll of
the regiment shows ninety-six present for duty. The old offi-
cers were elected excepting Vice President J. W. Anderson was
chosen. The business meeting was the best we ever had. The
principal subject for consideration being the publication of our
History. As no "real business methods had ever been adopted
or plans perfected, a committee was appointed to draft a plan
of operation. This committee submitted, in substance, the
following:
I. To raise a guarantee fund to be drawn on and paid
should the committee fail to secure sufficient funds from other
sources to complete the work.
II. To place the price of the book at $2.00. Of this
amount $1.00 should be paid at time of subscription, balance
when book was ready to deliver.
On the adoption of the committee's report the papers for
guarantee fund were drawn up and some $280 subscribed, sub-
sequently increased to $820. The subscription books were
opened and some eighty subscribers paid in their money, thus
placing a fund to start the work. The following committee
was appointed and instructed to proceed:
O. H. Coulter, Chairman, Topeka. Kas.
C. F. Hubert, Secretarv, Fowler. 111.
G. C. Baktells, Treasurer, Camp Point, 111.
S. E. H&wes, Quincv, 111.
F. C. Ward, Table Grove, 111.
J. W. Anderson of Clayton, and Cols. Bane and Ilanna,
as members ex-officio.
The following names of widows were added to the roll :
o
Margaret P. Scarborough. .Quiney, III. . . .Widow of Luther H. Scarborough, C
Retta Julian Carthage. III. . " "E.P.Julian B
A. Austin Lincoln, Neb. . k' " A.Austin I
S. A. Leach .Loraine, 111. . . " " E. Leach A
L. E, Julian Carthage, 111. . " " R. B. Julian B
J.M.Jordan Quincy, 111. . . . " " James M. Jordan A
H.Conner Coatsburg, III. " 4< Henry Cornier D
J. II. Duny Dallars City, 111 '- 'J. B. Duffy F
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTEY. 475
Letters were read from absent comrades, also a letter
from W. E. McCreary of Emporia, Kansas, late of the 81st
Ohio, transmitting the original report of the committee ap-
pointed to award the prize at the Louisville drill.
The former officers were re-elected excepting that Lieut.
J. W. Anderson of company B, was elected Vice President.
The good people of Camp Point prepared a most elegant
dinner and supper. The afternoon exercises were held in the
fair grounds and greatly enjoyed. We here present the follow-
ing lines, dedicated to the Fiftieth Illinois, that were read at a
small re-union held at Camp Point, about 1870:
THE GPAND ARMY.
How happy, comrades, 'tis to meet
And join a while in converse sweet
With those we know are true and brave
And risked their lives our land to save.
Many years in peace have passed away,
And we are here this gladsome day,
Though not in battle's stern array,
But in friendship, as a token
Of our brotherhood not yet broken,
And to mark those lines and traces
That time has written on our faces;
To hear of each one's weal and woo,
As through life's journey on we go.
A hi now our number's not complete,
For many a one with weary feet
Has trod life's jonrney to a close
And is sleeping now in calm repose
Until the final call is given
From the ramparts high in heaven,
When all the quick and dead shall rise
To answer roll call in the skies.
Brave boys, our work has been well done;
Our glorious Union still is one;
Still o'er the land and o'er the sea
Floats our banner proud and free;
No rent in all its folds is made,
Each stripe is there, each star Is stayed;
From California's golden shore
476
HISTORY OF THE
To where Atlantic's billow3 roar;
From northern pines, where fierce winds blow
Along the Mississippi's flow
To that great gulf of Mexico,
All wild and free is our eagle's flight,
Untamed by storm of treason's might;
But still our thoughts will wander o'er
Those battle fields all red with gore,
Where we have fought, and side by side
Rolled back the storm of i reason's pride.
Fort Donelson we'll not forget,
Where first the rebel foe we met;
For three long days we baitled there, •
And suffered more than most could bear
•Amid a storm of snow and slett
That served for many a winding sheet
A glorious victory gained complete.
On Shi lob's fields we won a name
And added luster to our fame;
'Twas there the rebel Beauregard
Led treason's host, and striving hard
To drive us back e'en to the shore
Where Tennessee's bright waters roar,
Himself was forced to feel defeat
And hasten back in his retreat.
'Twas there our gallant colonel fell —
An armless sleeve the story tells.
And many comrades full as brave
Found on that field an honored grave;
An honored grave, for a nation weeps,
For those wiio on those hillsides sleep.
At Corinth, too, our best regards
We tendered to their Beanregard;
He left the place with scarce a fight,
Acknowledged thus our matchless might.
Next time they met our boys in blue
Van Porn and Price and Lorell too,
Their hosts combine, but strove in vain
To take the stronghold back again.
How well they fought, the heaps of slain,
Scattered o"er that battle plain,
Speaks better than my words of song,
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
477
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The praise that to the brave belong.
At Cherokee the Third Brigade
Right valiantly the battle stayed
Till Dodge came up with his command
And rescued thus our gallant band
'Twas ours to share in that brave
deed
Of flanking Dalton and to lead
The rebels from their works .so strong
To fight us on a fairer ground.
At Allatoona's mountain pass,
Where Corse was our Leo'nidas,
With but a handful brave and true,
Whipped Hood arid ail bis rebel erew;
Then forward like the wheels of fate
We opened wide Atlanta's gate,
And pouring through with hearts of glee
We followed Sherman to the sea.
Then northward turned our steps once more
Towards Potomac's noted shore:
North and South Carolina, too
Trembled as our boys marched through;
Columbia felt our martial tread,
And Raleigh shook with fear and dread,
As the blue coats marched along
With laugh and je>: and manj a song —
Whipped Johnson, Cheatham and Hardee;
Then heard that Grant had conquered Lee;
Then turned for home- we hastened back,
Along the railroad's Sying track
To meet our loved o:;es face to face,
And clasp them In our warm embrace.
3-:. D. Rox, Co C. 50th 111. Inf. '
In the evening a grout campfire was held in the Rink.
Thus closed the fifth annual re-union.
1892.
On Sept. 22nd, Comrade L. R, Collins of company F, re-
Hiding at Macomb, was appointed Aide-de-Camp and instructed
to arrange for our Sixth annual re-union on Oct. 6th, at Ma-
comb, this being the time and place of holding the Military
Tract re-union. So well did Collins perform this duty that
when our boys arrived they found the Fiftieth headquarters
478
HISTORY OF THE
well established, and ample arrangements for all. A large num-
ber of comrades who had never attended our meetings were
present. The old officers were re-elected. The History com-
mittee reported progress and many new subscribers were added
to the subscription list, and the addresses of a large number
more were secured for our roster. "^
1893.
v The Seventh annual re-union met at Golden, Oct. ISth.
This is the home of Col. Hanna, and here gathered the largest
number of the ''Blind Half" that had ever been together since
the muster-out, and to say that they were royally received don't
tell the story. The Colonel*
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who keeps the largest store in
Golden, had told his custom-
ers that during the re-union
no business would be done at
that' stand but re-union busi-
ness, and thus it was made
headquarters and the boys
told to help themselves to
anything they wanted, from
cigars to threshing machines,
and they did. A general re-
ception and address of wel-
come was tendered in the
beautiful grove; a number of
good speeches were made, and
songs were sung. In the mean
time preparations were going
on in another part of the
>rved in Adams county.
MRS. WM. HANNA.
town for the biggest dinner ever
You know, boys, Col. Hanna always did believe in keep-
ing his command well filled, and on this occasion he proposed
to demonstrate to the boys that he was .still in command. To
those who were not there we simply say that after 1000 meals
had been served for dinner and supper, there was wagon loads
of the best grub you ever saw, left,
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
479
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During the dinner Mrs. Hanna acted as master of cere^
monies, and when the boys had got well started in the engage-
ment she proceeded to deliver to each one a souvenier of the
occasion in the shape of a Cob Pipe branded "40 Rounds,"
accompanied with a package of smoking tobacco, on the wrap-
per of which, on one side, was inscribed "7th Annual Re-union
50 tli Ills. Inft'y, Golden. Ills.. Oct. 18th, 1808," on the reverse
side the badge of the loth A. C, "knapsaek and 40 rounds."
The business meeting was held in the afternoon at the
Town Hall, handsomely decorated for the purpose. The
History committee made its report and presented sample pages
of the hook already, in print. They reported difficulty in secu-
ring proper data, and 'asked that the members of the associa-
tion assist in this matter. Additional subscriptions wore re-
ceived ; many comrades, after seeing the character of the book,
placed their orders for additional copies. A committee on res-
olutions in memory of deceased comrades was appointed, also a
general committee on resolutions.
The1 report of the committees were adopted and other
routine affairs attended to. when the election of officers took
place. The old officers were re-elected as follows:
Col. Wm. Hanna, President, Golden. 111.
J. AW Anokh^on, Vice Pares,, Clayton. TIL
G. C. Bakteu.s. Treasurer, Camp Point, III.
C. F. Hubert, Secretary, Fowler, 111.
The association lias collected the names and post office
address of 504 members of the regiment and 20 widows; to do
this has cost an endless amount of correspondence.
This re-union closed as have all former ones, by a grand
campfire, but this one outdid all former ones. We will only
mention one of the special features of this meeting. Among
the songs that were sung was one by the Jonn R. Woods Tost,
G. A. R. quartette, of Quiney led by Comrade Beers, entitled
the "Mule Song."
As they closed with the words "Here's your Mule," Mrs.
Hanna pulled a string which le-ld a roll that hung at the top
oi the stage front, when down rolled a lanre canvass on which'
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4.80
HISTORY OF THE
was a well executed and correct picture of "What is it," or
our little mule, so well remembered by all^ the old boys. And
then such a yell as the boys set up as they repeated, "that's our
mule sure enough, look at that jaw," &c, and thus closed the
most eventful gathering ever held by the association. Manx-
were the warm hand clasps as the good by's and God bless you
Colonel and Mrs. Hanna. and the good people of Golden, were
said.
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GENERAL GRANVILLE M. DODGE.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
481
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
r
S" IS our purpose under this heading, to give a brief sketch
of the Field and Stair Officers of our regiment. We have
also included the sketch of General Dodge, under whom the
raiment served as division and corps commander. The General
always took a deep interest in the regimerrt when in the field,
and in its members since the war, and has rendered valuable
assistance in this publication. In many instances the sketches
presented are incomplete for the reason that the necessary
data could not be obtained.
i
GENERAL GRANVILLE M. DODGE.
"""")RIEFLY told, the history of the life of Gen. Dodge pro-
_J seats itself as a magnificent type of American manhood.
He was born April 12, 1881, in Danvars, Mass., obtained
a university education at Norwich. After his graduation, went
west, locating at Peru, 111., where he engaged in city and land
surveying. When the Chicago 6z Rock Island railroad was
started he was employed as a civil engineer and while in this
work lie made a written prophecy of a great Pacific road, and
indicated its line across the continent.
From 1858 to 1861 he was chief engineer of the explora-
tions out of which grew the line of the Union Pacific, and dur-
ing the same time he was actively engaged in building the Mis-
sissippi & Missouri River railroad fronvCouncil Bluffs, la., east.
In 1S56 he organized and equipped the Council Bluffs
Guards of which he was elected Captain, and in April, 1861, he
t*' mitred its service to the Governor of Iowa, it being one of
nie first companies in the State to oiler for service tinder the
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482
HISTORY OF THE
call fur troops for the suppression of the rebellion, but the offer
was declined for the reason that the Governor considered it im-
portant for the safety of the frontier not to draw any troops
from the western border of Iowa. When the 4th Iowa Infantry
regiment was organized the Council Hind's Guards joined that
regiment as company B. In the spring of 1861 Governor Kirk-
wood appointed Captain Dodge upon his staff and accepted Id?
individual services, sending him to Washington, and there by
his energy and zeal he obtained what the members of Congress
could not get for the State, viz., 0,000 stand of arms with am-
munition.
The War Department, recognizing his push and ability,
offered him a Captaincy in the regular army, which he de-
clined.
The Secretary of War, Simon Cameron, telegraphed Gov-
ernor Kirkwood of Iowa, requesting that Captain Dodge should
be given a commission as Colonel of an Iowa regiment. Gov.
Kirkwood immediately responded, making him Colonel of the
4th Iowa Infantry and authorized him to immediately recruit
and complete the organization of the regiment at Council
Bluffs, and in two weeks' time Colonel Dodge was leading it
against the rebels in Northern Missouri.
At the same time ho recruited Dodge's Battery, known in
the Iowa Roster as the 2nd Iowa Battery. It was among the
most distinguished batteries in the campaigns of Vicksburg,
Atlanta and Nashville. He did not wait for the Government
to slowly clothe and equip his regiment, but pledged his own
credit for this purpose.
In August 1861 he reported with his regiment and bat-
tery to General Fremont, at St. Louis and was ordered toRolla.
Missouri. lie was soon assigned to command of that impor-
tant post. When the army of the southwest was organized at
Rolla under General S. R. Custiss, Colonel Dodge was assigned
to the command of the 4th brigade, 4th division of the army of
the southwest and led the advance in the capture of Springfield.
Missouri. He took a prominent part in the cavalry charge at
Sugar Creek, and in the celebrated battle of Pea Ridge his brig-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
483
a<le fought for three days, the 6th, 7th and 8th of March, 1802,
and in the desperate battle of the second day saved Curtis's
army from disaster.
Three horses were killed and a fourth wounded under
him, hut when the order came to retreat Colonel Dodge bravely
fought on. and simply sent back word that to retreat was ruin.
Colonel Dodge was seriously wounded in this encounter
but remained in command of his brigade until the end of the
battle. His cool headed fighting and »full appreciation of the
situation helped to win a great victory. A grateful government
upon the recommendation of Major General Halleck for his
services on tin's field immediately promoted him to the rank of
Brigadier General.
November 15, 1802, General Grant assigned Brigadier
General Dodge to the command of the 2nd division of the Army
of the Tennessee, then stationed at Corinth, Miss. July 7, 1868,
to the command of the left wing of the 16th Army Corps, with
headquarters at Corinth. General Dodge here displayed his
high qualities as an administrator and as a fighter.
On July 27, 18(53, General Grant recommended the pro-
motion of General Dodge to be a Major General of Volunteers,
This was speedily complied with.
In the fall of I860 lie moved with his corps under Gen-
eral Sherman to Middle Tennessee and supported twelve thou-
sand, men and six thousand animals for ninety days from the
supplies obtained in the country.
Making his headquarters at Pulaski, Tenn., he also re-
built and opened the road from Nashville to Decatur, rebuild-
ing the entire line including some 183 structures.
He commanded the 16th Corps in the field during the
Atlanta campaign and was seriously wounded in front of At-
lanta, August 10, 1804; recovering from his wounds he reported
to Gen'l Sherman November 1st, 1864. Sherman did not con-
sider him aide to undertake the arduous duties of the March to
the Sea, and he was assigned to the command of the Depart-
ment of the Missouri.
Julv 21, 1805, General Dodge was assigned to the com-
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484 HISTORY OF THE
ma rid of all the United States forces serving in Kansas. Colo-
rado, Nebraska, Utah, Montana and Dakota, west of the Mis-
souri river, and personally taking the field in command of
these troops, fought in the Indian campaigns, organizing three
columns, penetrating the country from the Arkansas river on
the south to the Yellowstone on the north, and following the
different tribes day and night, winter and summer, until they
were all conquered, or made to sue for peace.
After completing the Indian campaign, General Dodge,
on May 1, 18GG, at his earnest request, was relieved of his com-
mand, and on June 1, I860, his resignation was accepted. In
the bill for placing a certain number of Generals of volunteers
in the regular army for life, General Grant selected General
Dodge as the head of the list of Major Generals of volunteers to
be made Major Generals in the regular army.
This incomplete sketch is but a shadow as compared to a
full story of the military life and action of this gallant man.
In 18GG lie was seilt to Congress to represent the 5th Iowa
congressional district. He was urged to accept a second term,
but positively declined.
As Chief Engineer of the Union Pacific railroad he mad*'
plans for the great iron bridge which Spans the Missouri river
at Omaha. In 1870 he resigned his position as Chief Engineer
of this road after having successfully completed the construc-
tion of this greatest National Highway,
\\\ 1871 he was appointed Chief Engineer of the Califor-
nia & Texas Construction Company. In 1880 he organized and
become president of the Pacific Railway improvement Co., also
in June the same year, he organized the International Railway
and Improvement Co., and built the Missouri. Kansas & Texas
j railroad from Fort Worth to Taylor, Texas, and other lines.
From that time on to the present he has been actively engaged
in great railroad and other public works, always at the head.
On the death of General Sherman he was unanimously
elected president of the Society of tin' Army of the Tennessee.
He was also elected vice-president of the Grant Monument As-
sociation, and president of the Grant Birthday Association.
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
485
General Dodge is a member of Lincoln Post', Council
Bluffs, Iowa, of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a mem-
ber oi and was one of the first organizers of the Loyal Legion.
He is also a member of the I. O. 0. F., at Council Bluffs, Iowa,
of the Union League Club of New York, of the United Service
Club, the Coney Island Jockey Club, and the Boston Club of
New Orleans. He is president of the Norwich University xVsso-
eiation of New York, a member of the Military Service Institu-
tion of Governor's Island, and many other noted institutions.
He was a delegate at large from Iowa to the National Re-
publican Conventions at Philadelphia, Chicago and Cincinnati,
and has taken an active part in every Presidential election dur-
ing, and since, the campaign that resulted in the election of
President Lincoln.
In 1854 he was married to Miss Annie Brown, and three
children have adorned his home, viz. : Lettio, Ella and Annie.
And thus surrounded with all that can make life blessed, ho
looks back upon the years with their full measure of duty well
performed, and turning looks forward into the years to come,
each of which shall bring to him a harvest, the ripe fruitage of
his faithful sowing.
~o-
COLONEL MOSES M. BANE
\AfAS born in Athens county, Ohio, November 30th, 182T ;
yy removed to Miami county with his parents, when he
was ten years of age — locating on a farm resided here as
a farmer until 21 years of age, when he became a school teacher
—then taking up the study of medicine and surgery, under the
instruction of Dr. G. Volney Dorsey, of Miami county, Ohio.
Attended Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, graduating at
that institution in the year 1848, and soon after married the
daughter of Richard L. Howard, Professor of Surgery of the
College. Immediately removed to Payson, Adams county, 111.,
and entered into the active practice of his profession; taking
a great interest in the exciting political times preceding the
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480
HISTORY OF THE
war. Before the war was twice elected to the Illinois Legisla-
ture, as a Douglas democrat. Was a strong supporter of ij.
Union, and in 1861, actively engaged in organizing and prepar-
ing for the field, the Fiftieth Illinois Infantry, receiving a com-
mission as its first Colonel, from Governor Yates.
A good officer j brave beyond question, he left his rig:.:
arm at Shiloh and was severely injured in, the side, entirely
preventing his return to his profession. Partially recovering.
he returned to the regiment in August and a short time there-
after was assigned to the command of the 3rd brigade. A care-
ful and successful leader he proved, and a close friend of Gen-
eral Dodge.
Returning to their homes as veterans he overtook the
regiment at Quincy and assumed command, issuing Special
Order No. 4, J'anary 25, 1864, granting leave of absence to the
officers, and Special Order No. 5, February 27, 1S64, detailing
Lieut. Kitchen of company I, to take charge of all recruits not
mustered, and stragglers and enlisted men belonging to the
regiment, left behind, and bring them forward with as little
delay as possible.
This constituted his last service with the Fiftieth. Re-
turning with them, to Lynnville, Tenn., lie again assumed com-
mand of the brigade, and continued in the field until, on ac-
count of his wounds and impaired health, he tendered his res-
ignation, which was accepted June 11th, having served two
months less than his original three years term, lie was relieved
bv General William Vandever.
Colonel Bane has always been the friend of the soldier,
believing that all who honorably wore the blue are fully enti-
tled to the care of Uncle Sam. He has served in several impor-
tant positions since the war, and under the Harrison adminis-
tration, was employed in the Land Office at Washington, where
he now resides.
Mrs. Bane died a few years after the war, and his second
wife died in 1891, leaving two sons.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
487
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COLONEL WILLIAM BANNA.
1"MIE subject of this sketch is of Scotch-Irish descent, born
in Lexington, Indiana, June 28, 1833- He was left an
orphan when less than ten years of age, with no support
but his own ready hands and indomitable will. For several
years he worked for his board, clothes and a few months school-
ing at the district school. While yet a young man he took up
the studies for the ministry, but failing health compelled him to
give it up. While yet in his teens he drifted to Camp Point,
Adams county, Illinois, where his sterling business qualities 9
perseverance and natural kindness and generosity soon won for
him a place in the hearts of all who knew him. At the begin-
ning of the war lie was engaged in a prosperous business. When
the call was made for "three year"* men, lie assisted in organi-
zing Co. E of the Fiftieth Illinois Infantry, at Camp Point, and
was made Captain of that company.
March 27,1863, he was commissioned Major; July IS
18(34, Lieutenant Colonel, to succeed Lieutenant Colonel Gaines;
later received a commission as Colonel, to date from June 11,
1864, the date of Colonel Bane's resignation, but the regiment
being reduced in numbers, he was not entitled to be mustered
as such; he was afterwards breveted P>rigadier General. A
thorough disciplinarian; no decision was made which was not
actuated by the strictest justice;, his whole soul was given to the
cause in which he was engaged, and to the welfare of those who
had been placed in his charge, his tender watchful care was
never relaxed. Often on the march he would dismount and
give his horse to some sick and footsore boy, with a kind word
of encouragement; so manifest was his love for them, that those
who duty compelled him to punish, felt no resentment, but only
stronger love.
Hi? was in all the battles and engagements in which the
regiment took part ; his clear voice calling them to follow,
never bidding them go where he feared to lead. He was severely
wounded at the battle of Allatoona, Ga,, October 5, 1864, and
on account of this wound was unable to go on t^io campaign to
the sea, but rejoined his regiment at Savannah, Ga.} January
48S HISTORY OP THE
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LIEUTENAXT COLONEL WILLIAM SWARTIIOUT
RESIDED at Quincy, III., was 39 years of ago, married, and
a mechanic, when he enlisted, on the 12th day of August,
1861, in the Fiftieth. Pie had, in his boyhood days, re-
sided near West Point, and was somewhat acquainted with mil-
itary affairs. Was appointed by Gov. Yates to superintend the
location and care of Camp Wood, and on the election of officers
in the regiment was elected to be its Lieutenant Colonel.
The instructions received at his hands at this camp and
camps*Bano at Hannibal, and Prentiss at Chillicothe, Mo., were
v
11, 18G5, and participated in the march through the Carolinas
and the final battle at Bentonvillo, and was present to witness
the surrender of the last army of the southern confederacy. So
perfect had the regiment become under his command that on
March 30 its camp was pronounced in the best condition of any
in the division, and that on the grand review in Washington it
received great applause, and at Louisville, Ky., won the prize
banner as the best drilled regiment in the loth Army Corps,
(the boys claim, in the western army.) On the drill ground,
after its conclusion, he was presented with a magnificent sword,
a3 a. token of esteem from his fellow officers and men. The
banner and sword are greatly cherished bv him, and at all our
re-unions are looked upon as well earned trophies of our cam-
paign days. Just after the prize drill Gen. Logan wished to
have Col. Banna commissioned as a Lieutenant Colonel in the
regular army and his reply was, characteristic both of the com-
rade and soldier; "If I can take the "Blind Half" into the reg-
ular army with me, I will accept."
Col. Hanna's home is at Golden, Adams county, Illinois,
where ho conducts a successful mercantile business; has been
postmaster a number of years, is an earnest Grand Army man,
member of Post No. 312, Dept. of 111., and was Aide-de-camp <>n
Commander-in-chief Alger's staff, always the same kind, noble,
brave and generous Col. Hanna.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
480
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8D brief and particular that the boys of the first enlistment
never have forgotten them.
At Shiioli he was severely wounded, captured and would
have been removed from the field by the enemy if able to go.
By the 28th of May, was returned to the regiment and in com-
mand. He remained with the regiment until the middle of
November, 1662. when he obtained leave of absence on account
of ill health and returned home ; returning in the spring of
1868, and April 8th announced at dress parade, that on account
of ill-health, resulting from the wound and other troubles, he
would have to leave us.
Not forgetting the boys, and proud of the reputation al-
ready acquired, Mrs. Swarthout and sister made and sent the
regiment a pair of beautiful guidons.
Col. S war thou t was a good commander and liked to have
everything in military order. He was afflicted with the same
kind of blindness that some of the other officers were, as will
be explained by the following : "The boys of J61 and *C2 will
remember how noisy they got to be at night, and that at taps
in the camp south of Corinth, the cry would spring up, "lights
out! lights out!"
Orders were issued against any unnecessary noise being
made in camp, and that all lights must be extinguished at the
Round of taps. Notwithstanding this order, for several nights,
"lights out" was yelled time and again at top of voice, from
different parts of camp. Cue night the Colonel stationed him-
self in the company street of F; at taps all light disappeared.
Suddenly he saw a glimmer in a tent in company D. and start-
ed for it just as a sergeant lifted the tent and yelled at the top
of his voice, "lights out!" — one of company F replying in a
loud voice. The Colonel said, "Sergeant is that you?" "Blow
it out — blow it out. Jim!" said the sergeant's chum in a terri-
fied tone, "there'? the Colonel!" "Never mind blowing it out,"
said the Colonel., "we will blow it out to-morrow." But it
proved — possibly the night was so dark that he could not see
who it was any way — nothing more came of it, and the order
(31)
400 HISTORY OF THE
was observed afterwards." Since the war the Colonel has resi-
ded in Quincy.
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L1EUTENANT COLONEL THOS. W. GAINES
X I /"AS born in Botetourt county, Virginia, on the 25th day
l/Vf of March, 1827, In childhood moved with his parents
to Roanoke county, where he resided and received a
common school education. At 19 he volunteered in Captain
James F. Preston's company of grenadiers, in thy 1st Virginia
regiment, and served about nineteen months in Mexico, until
the close of the war. The regiment returned to Virginia and
was mustered out at Old Point Comfort.
At 28 years of age he emigrated to Adams county, Ills.,
married, and at the breaking out of the rebellion, having had
some military experience, with the assistance of others, recruit-
ed a company in readiness for an expected call for more troops.
The call for 800,000 more men found him ready, and the com-
pany being recruited to the required number he was elected its
Captain and received his commission to date from the 12th day
of September, 1861. Served with the company until April 6th,
'02, when the Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel being wounded,
the Major being absent and he being the senior Captain present
assumed command of the regiment, and continued so through-
out the battle by request of the officers then present.
On the morning of the 7th he was placed, with the regi-
ment, in front of the line of artillery, to the left of the Corinth
road, when an unaccountable panic arose in front, resulting in
a stampede, which was promptly cheeked by him moving, on
his own account, the regiment across the track of the stampede.
For this praiseworthy act he was complimented on the spot by
General Grant.
October 9th, 1802, he was promoted Major, and on the
12th of May, 1803, was notified by telegraph that he had been
commissioned Lieutenant Colonel, to succeed Col. Swarthout, to
date from March 27th. On the 27th of June, owing to ill health,
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
401
he obtained leave of absence for twenty days. On the 16th of
September he returned and on the 30th was assigned to duty as
provost marshal for the district of Corinth. On the march to
Lynnville, Term.; he was taken sick and went around by boat,
joining us at Lynnville. Was ordered to Illinois on recruiting
service in December, 18(38, and upon returning with the regi-
ment from veteran furlough, was appointed provost marshal at
Pulaski, Term. On account of continued ill health, and disease
settling in his eyes, he was unable to proceed on the campaign,
but joined the regiment at -Rome, Ga., and reluctantly tendered
his resignation on the 8th of July; notice of its being accepted
was received on the 24th, and on the 25th ke bade farewell to
the regiment and departed, broken in health and with the loss
of one eye, a worthy representative of the "Blind Half Hun-
dred."
After the war he was elected Treasurer of Adams county
serving with credit, and in 1870 emigrated with his wife and
four children to Clarksville, Texas, where he served the people
as Postmaster during President Harrison's administration, and
now resides.
-o-
LIEUTEXANT COLONEL MERYIX B. CONVERSE.
T I NMARRIED. Enlisted at Avon September 10th, as Second
kJ Sergeant of company G, and May 5th, 1862, was promo-
ted Sergeant Major. July 18th, 1808, promoted to 1st
Lieutenant of company G, he was detailed in November 18G2,
as Acting Adjutant, serving as such until August 25, 1.804, when
he resigned and September 11th, 1804, was relieved. by Lieut. S.
W . Blystone of company F. Upon retiring he was tendered a
testimonial by the Colonel for the faithful and respectful man-
ner in which his duties had been discharged. Re-entered the
service as R. Q. M., March 9th, 1805, and received a complimen-
tary commission, July let, 1805, as Lieut. Colonel, but was not
mustered.
\
402 HISTORY OF THE
MAJORS.
EORGE R. RANDALL and Samuel R. Qlenn, was our first
arid second Majors. Of the first we have little to say.
Of the second, that he was promoted from Captain of Co.
H, and was in command of the regiment at various times until
mustered out after the battle of Corinth, to date from October
9th, 1862, and was succeeded by Captain Gaines.
-o-
I
MAJOR HORACE L. BURNHAM.
N 1861 Horace L. Bumham resided at Payson, was married
and blessed with two lovely children, a boy and girl. As a
carpenter and builder, was engaged in building a house in
Payson for Mr. Large. When the news of the first gun being
fired upon Fort Sumpter reached Payson he threw down his
tools, emnloved others to complete the work and immediately
went to work with Captain W. M, Gooding to raise a company
for Uncle Sam. In a short time part of a company was raised
and a Union formed with T. W. Letton, Captain of the Quincy
Cadets, who joined them with near twenty men, making enough
to form a company. Capt. Gooding tendered the service of the
I company to the authorities and obtaining camp equipage went
into camp at Payson for a few days. Some days later notice
was received that the company had been accepted, and it was
directed to proceed to Camp Butler. Later this was counter-
manded.
Having recruited the company to the proper number by
the admission of T. W. Letton and his men, Lieutenant Burn-
ham accepted the position of 2nd Lieutenant ; was with the
| company through all the moves and marches, participated at
Donelson and Shiloh, and through the seige of Corinth. On
July 10th, '02, Capt. Gooding having resigned Lieut. Bumham
was commissioned Captain and served at the battle of Corinth
Oct.. 4, where he received a severe wound, completely disabling
his right arm and should t. March 20, 1868, Captain Bumham
i
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 408
was detached from the company as permanent Post Officer of
the Day at Corinth. June 10 was appointed Provost Marshal
for the Post of Corinth. November 4. "Go, as Provost Marshal
of the left wing of the 16th A. C. by order of Gen. G. M. Dodge
with whom he served on the Atlanta Campaign, until the Gen-
eral was so severely wounded that he had to go north for treat-
ment, being; relieved bv General T. E. G. Ransom, witli whom
Captain Burnham continued to serve until the fall of Atlanta,
being continuously at the front he participated in several hard •
fought engagements. At Dallas, July 4. in the flank movement
for the possession of Kennesaw, and July 22, when McPherson
foil, again at Jonesboro. where Hood made his last stand, and
down to Lovejov's Station.
The left wing of the 16th Corps being dissolved Septem-
ber 22, '04, Capt. Burnham was ordered to report to Gen. John
XL Corse, commanding 4th division, 15th A. C, formerly the 2nd
division, with whom he served on the march to Savannah.
Here, December 28. 1864, at his request, he was relieved from
duty and rejoined the regiment, taking with him this beautiful
testimonial from his brother officers:
• Headquarters 4th Division, 15th A. C, )
Savannah, Ga., December ZSth.lSGJ.. )
Captain H. L. Burnham of the 50th Illinois Inft'y Vols.,
Proyost Marshal of this division, having been relieved from
duty in that capacity to assume command of his regiment —
such being the unanimous request of the officers therein — it is
therefore resolved
1st. That we, the staff of the 4th division, in the retire-
ment of Captain Burnham, lose our most active, faithful and
competent member; an officer whom we highly esteem and will
-seek to emulate.
2nd. That the thanks of the staff are due and hereby
tendered to Captain Burnham for his uniform kindness, no less
than for his shilling example; and one and all, in fullest confi-
dence, offer him our best wishes for his success in the field with
the gallant regiment.
&rd. That a copy of these resolutions be furnished Capt
494 HISTORY OF THE
-O-
ADJUTANT THOMAS JEFFERSON BROWN
'AS the first of the four Adjutants- the regiment had dur-
ing its service. He enlisted in company C, and was
promoted at the organization of the regiment. He was a
good soldier, but owing to poor health resigned April 28, 1862.
ADJUTANT THEODORE W. LETTON,
Now residing at 4846 Kimbark Ave., Chicago, Illinois, who past
his 21st birthday about the time the Fiftieth was organized.
He had for several years previous been Captain of the Quincy
Cadets, a military organization of the best and most promising
young meaf of Quincy, and when he joined Gapt. Gooding v..nd
\ V
Burnham, and. to the command, and that the Acting Assistant
Adjutant General cause the same to be placed on file with the
records of the division.
L. Carper, Capt. & Ass't Adft Gen.
Charles Rattery, Capt. <Sc Acting Ass't Insp't Gen.
M. R. Flint, Capt, & A. A. D. C.
W. B. Gutheii, Capt. & A. C. M.
Ben. S. Barbour, Capt. & Chief of Out Posts.
A. W. Edwards, Capt. & Aot'g Ass't Adj't Gen.
H. B. Benjamin, Capt. & A. A. A. M,
J. T. Larkin, Lieut, & Act'g Ord. Officer.
H. T. Andrews, Lieut, & A. C, S,
The Lieut, Colonel commanding the regiment was severe-
ly wounded at Allatoona Pass and was at this time absent with
leave on that account, and Capt, Burnham, on January 1, 1865,
assumed command until the 14th, when Lieut. Col. Hanna re-
turned and assumed command. Feb. 8th at. MolPs Station,
near Little Salkahatchie Swamp, he was again detailed as Pro-
vost Marshal to Gen. Corse. On the 29th of March he was mus-
tered in as Major of the regiment, with rank to date from July
18, 1804. Pie served with Gen. Corse as Provost Marshal until
July 11, when he was relieved and rejoined the regiment for
muster-out.
\
J.
i
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
495
Lieut. Burnham at Payson, he brought about twenty of the
members of this company with him. When the organization,
which afterwards became company C of the Fiftieth, was com-
pleted, he was elected 1st Lieutenant and served with the com-
pany through the battle at Fort Donelson with credit, and at
Shiloh was in command of the company most of the first day.
• and until about o'clock that night. The next morning he was
detailed to act as Adjutant and performed the duties of that
position during the remainder of the battle and for some days
afterward.
Adjutant Brown having become incapacitated for duty.
Lieut. Let ton was, on or about the 2Sth of April, commissioned
as .Adjutant, and served "With the regiment in that position un-
til November, 1SG2, when he was detailed as Acting Ass't Adj't
Gen1! of the 3rd brigade, 2nd division, 16th army corps. He
remained with the brigade in that capacity until after the cap-
ture of Rome, Ga., in the spring of 1864, when Gen. Wm. Van-
dever, who was placed in command of all the troops there de-
tailed him as Acting Ass't Adj't Gen'l on his staff. He remain-
ed in this position until the expiration of his term of service.
Adjutant Let ton was a brave and efficient officer, and a
man of excellent habits. In the regular course of promotion
lie should have been Captain of company C. siicceding Captain
Gooding. Lieutenant Burnham desired him to accept the po-
sition,.but he preferred to remain as Adjutant and. therefore,
Lieut. Burnham received the promotion.
It is with pleasure that we recall the brilliant services
rendered, by him at Fort Donelson, Shiloh and the battle of
Corinth, while with the regiment, in assisting to rally and hold
in (act our lines, whenever the tide of war seemed to set against
its; and al.so at Lay's Ferry while acting as Ass't Adj't Gen'l of
the brigade.
He is now General Manager for the United States, of the
Prussian National Insurance Company, with offices at No. 315
Dearborn street, Chicago, Illinois.
On the resignation of Adjutant Let ton. company G was
honored by the selection of
496
HISTORY OF THE
ADJUTANT WALTER S. WOOD, -
who served until April 14th, 1805, when, owing to ill health, he
resigned and returned to his home, where he soon afterwards
died. The next was
ADJUTANT CHARLES F. HUBERT.
The subject of this sketch was born in Beverly, Mass.,
January 9, 1843. When 13 years of age removed with his par-
ents to Beverly, Adams county. Ills., and
became a farmer, receiving a limited edu-
cation at the district school. Was of slen-
der build and delicate health. At the first
sound of war was ready and early endeav-
ored to enlist with Captain Harvey, after-
wards Governor of Kansas, but was reject-
A
sf-1 -i:' .' , '-.-"-''iJyL eG- on account oi his trail appearance. A
% ■ 7. ' ' &* fewweeks later, Sept. 25, ?61:aaed IS vears
>n ■ ■ ~ -"" "" "
I) and 8 months, found him a soldier in tine
part of company D that was recruited by
H, C. Cusick. Served with the company in all its moves: at
Corinth was slightly wounded by a splinter knockedixom a tree
by a shell fired by the guns of battery B, while in the charge
of the 52nd Illinois to retake them; was rendered nearly deaf
by the roar of the artillery. In November was detailed as
Headquarters Orderly, serving as such until the 20th : Septem-
ber, '04, when he was assigned to duty as Sergeant Major; Ser-
geant Major James DeVany having been detailed to recruit a
company for the 1st Alabama cavalry. Served as Acting Ser-
geant Major until May 22nd, '65, when he received his appoint-
ment; this would have been issued before had it not been for
the fact of the command starting out on the march thr ugh
Georgia before reports from Sergeant Major DeVany had been
received. Was promoted to Adjutant June 26th. 15*J5, and
mustered '"out with the regiment July 13th, 1865, a veteran : re-
turned home and endeavored to farm for a few years, an I then
entered mercantile pursuits at Fowler, 111., where he _-"■ res: Les.
\
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
497
He is a P. C. of Post 542, G. A. R., Department of 111., has been
Postmaster for four terms and is Secretary of Re-union Associ-
ation and History Committee.
-o-
QUARTERMASTEK WILLIAM REAL.
'M. KEAL, our first Quartermaster, was born in Welton,
Lincolnshire, England, in 1815. Emigrated with his
parents to America, in" 1832, locating in Salem, Co-
lumbiana county, Ohio. Married to Miss Mary Ann Righter,
February 19,-1888; removed to Adams county. 111., in 1855,
slopping one year in Quincy, then moved to Payson, where he
resided at the outbreak of the war. He was considered a mem-
ber of tbfi company raised at Payson, and his name is borne on
its original rolls as Private William KeaL Upon the formation
of the regiment at Camp Wood he was directed to take charge
of the Quartermaster's department, and at the election of offi-
cers was elected Quartermaster, serving with fidelity until the
fall of 1803, when during a wind storm, while caring for the
property in his charge, was struck upon the head by a piece of
timber, rendering him unconscious until the next day, and unfit
for the duties of. camp life; lie therefore tendered his resigna-
tion which was accepted i\nd he was mustered out August 28th,
1 ^Oo. and returned to his home, the service thereby losing a
good officer and a christian gentleman.
Returning Jto Payson he took up his trade of carriage
trimmer. Later established a general store in Payson, and
served three terms as Postmaster, and also thirteen years as
Justice of the Peace. Finding this service too severe for his
physical condition he resigned and moved to Quincy in 1880,
where he now resides. He was succeeded by
QUARTERMASTER HENRY KING,
W ho enlisted in company F as private. November 25, 1861, and
was promoted to Quartermaster Sergeani in October 1868, later
to R. Q, M., dating back to August 28. 1863, resigning at expi-
.
498
HISTORY OF THE
ration ol his term of service, October 28, 1804, as shown by
records of Adjutant General's Report.
.
■o-
SURGEONS.
TPIE regiment was fortunate in securing competent and
faithful officers in this branch of the service, and men
too, who were so devoted to the welfare of the regiment
that although they were offered promotion and increased pay,
would not accept. The history of this special department, and
sketch of several of those connected with it, are told in a spe-
cial chapter. We will only present tins sketch of our Assistant
Surgeon,
ALBERT G. PICKETT,
Who was born December 24. 1826. In January 1839, entered
Woodward College at Cincinnati. Ohio, and graduated in modi-
cine at the Medical College of Ohio, March 2nd, 1847.
Under the call for 500,000 volunteers, in July 1861, en-
listed as a private in company A, Fiftieth 111. Inf'ty. In tlio
election of the Field and Stall', 1st Lieutenant Geo. W. Randall
of company E, was elected Major and Dr. Pickett was elected
to the position made vacant by Lieut, Randall's promotion.
December 18th. 1862, was appointed Assistant Burgeon.,
tilling the place made vacant by the resignation of Assistant
Surgeon Garner PI. Bane. -
Was with the regiment in its campaigns until the battle
of Allatoona, Ga., Oct. 5th, 1864, where he was wounded, and
so disabled as to bo unable to go on the march to the sea. On
October SI, 1864, lie resigned and when able to travel, went
home. Since the war he has been practicing his profession at
Mattoon, 111.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
490
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
OF the Non-Commissioned Staff, in detail. Sergeant Majors
Hughes and Converse have already been accounted for.
Theodore Griffin enlisted August 20, 1861, from Pulaski,
Illinois, in company B. Was promoted to corporal and Sept.
15, 1862, detailed as clerk at headquarters, then promoted to
'Sergeant Major, and about the 8th of May, 1863, was detailed
to assist in organizing a company of negroes for the 1st Ala-
bama Infantry, A. D., of which he was commissioned a 1st
Lieutenant and left the Fiftieth.
He was succeeded by James Henry, who also enlisted in
company B as 5th Sergeant, and served with the company until
May 8th, 'OB, was then detailed fur duty in the Adjutant's office.
Re-enlisted as a veteran and, January 5th, 1864, was promoted
to Sergeant Major and left the regiment in a few days to accept
commission as Captain in the 111th U. S. C. T.
James W. DeYaney enlisted as 3rd Sergeant of company
G; promoted 1st Sergeant; re-enlisted as a veteran, was detail-
ed fur recruiting service in Illinois 'in December 1868, with Lt.
Col. Gaines, and rejoined the regiment May 19th, 1S64. and by
Special Order Xo. 21, was promoted Sergeant Major. A suc-
cessful recruiting officer he was detailed to recruit a company
for the 1st Alabama cavalry September 20, and that was the
last of him to our knowledge. On May 22, 1S65, by Special
Order $ o. 23, he was reduced to the ranks and assigned to com-
pany Ql fur duty; having accepted a commission in the 1st Ala-
bama cavalry — this was done to correct the record, He was
succeeded by Charles F. Hubert.
Quartermaster Sergeant Andrew J. Ranson, discharged
fur disability, was succeeded by Samuel E. Hewes who was
born October 80, 1841, near Dallas City, Hancock county, Ills.
His parents removed to Pay son when lie was an infant and here
he lived until he enlisted in company C, October SO, 1861, on
Ins 20th birthday, joining the regiment at Chillieothe, Mo.
He was a clerk at the time and was at once detailed at regimen-
tad headquarters, where he remained until promoted to Quar-
■■'
500 HISTORY OF THE
terinaster Sergeant, serving with the regiment until it left Cor-
inth. At his request assigned to company K, and detailed for
duty at General Dodge's headquarters, and later in the quarter-
masters department at Nashville, Tenn,, where he remained
until a few days before his enlistment expired, when he report-
ed to the regiment at Rome Ga., and was mustered out October
29, 1864, and was succeeded by Henry King. Since the war he
- has been engaged in mercantile pursuits, residing at Payson
until 1890, he sold out his business and removed toQuincy;
has been for several years a commissioner of the Sny-Levey
Drainage Commission; was selected as one of the committee
on Historv to prepare tins work, and his photo, can be seen in
•the committee group.
Albert Jordan now resides at Waverly, Mo. ; was 21
years of age when he enlisted, a farmer and unmarried. Enlis-
ting as a private in company E, September 12, 1861, was a Ser-
geant in 1868, and detailed as Ordinance Sergeant; re-enlisted
as a veteran in the same company, and on March 0, 1864, bv
Special Order No. 1, was appointed as Q. M, Sergeant, succeed-
mg Henry King, who hud been appointed R. Q. M. "Was mus-
tered out July 13, I860, as Q. M. S. Received a commission as
1st Lieutenant of company II but was not mustered.
Commissary Sergeants James Debaix and John YV. Fish-
er both passed out for disability, and George Walker succeed-
ed. He enlisted in company 0, August 20, 1861, as a private;
was detailed as a clerk in the Commissary Department, and re-
enlisting as a veteran was promoted Commissary Sergeant,
where he served until mustered out.
Of our principal Musicians Adam S. Carper was dis-
charged for disability. Clarence D. Poling, drum-major, and
David II. Wokman, fife-major, both enlisting in company A.
Re-enlisted and mustered out together. Quiet and unassuming
soldiers, they did their duty thoroughly and. modestly, and
deserve great credit for their efficiency and attention to dutv.
THE REGIMENTAL BAND
Enlisted at t,he organization ; was found more entertaining than
1
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
501
beneficial, and orders were issued to reduce to one for each brig-
ade, and on the 25th of April 1862, it was mustered out.
-o—
COMPANY A.
rfAS recruited at Mareelline and Mendon, Adams county,
by Edgar Pickett and II. P. W. Cramer respectively,
rendezvousing at Camp Bane, Mareelline, August llth?
and by the 13th of same month had moved to Quincy. Being
the first company to arrive at Camp Wood, for the Adams
county regiment, were assigned a position by William Swarth-
out, then in charge of the camp, on what proved to bo the right
of the regiment, and was given the letter A. A few days later
the company organized by electing Edgar Pickett, Captain ; PL
P. W. Cramer, 1st Lieutenant; Sergeant Moody, 2nd Lieutenant
and the non-commissioned officers as may be seen in the com-
pany roster.
August 20th was mustered into the State service by Col,
John P. Loomis, of the Governors staff, and into the U. S. ser-
vice September 12th, by Captain Pitcher, U. S. A.
By the 5th of November, while at Chillicothe, Lieutenant
Cramer, who had boon, left at Cam]) Wood to recruit, rejoined
the company with recruits to fill it to its minimum number of
101. Was sent to Cameron with companies D, E and G, Nov.
22, under Major Randall — faring bountifully on pork, chicken
and honey. The company being quartered in a bowling alley
found plenty of amusement rolling ten pins. The changes in
company officers in company A, like all other companies, began
to occur, and while at St. Joseph the following order was re-
ceived :
.
Headquarters 50th Illinois Regt.,
St. Joseph, Mo., Dec. 7th, 1861.
To Captain Edgar Pickett, Com\bj Company A:
You will transfer the men you have in your
company, over the maximum number of. one hundred and one
1
502 HISTORY OF THE
men, (101), to T. D. McGillicuddy, company K, 50th Regiment
Ills. Vols., and report the same to these headquarters.
(Signed) T. JEFF BROWN, Adjutant,
And then Capt. Picket tendered his resignation, to take
effect February 5th, 1802.
While on the cars January 25, 1st Lieutenant Barrett of
company G, was placed in command of this company as Cap-
tain per Special Order No. 16, by Colonel Bane, and relieved at
Pittsburg Landing per Special Order No. 24, April 23rd, 1862,
by Capt, Smith, commanding regiment, Lieut. Cramer being on
detached duty.
The company followed the fortunes of the regiment in
all its marches and engagements except the Towncreek expedi-
tion, at which time it was on detached duty at Red Tank, eight
miles west of Corinth, doing guard duty. Here the boys fared
well, trading their surplus coffee and sugar to the natives for
butter and eggs. While' the mothers were bartering the butter
and eggs some of the boys were making love to the girls.
I One day receiving by mule train from Corinth, two kegs
of beer, the bcvs declared they were not dry, but the oftener
the cup was passed around the dryer they got, until their hilar-
ity became so boisterous that bv midnight the natives in the
vicinity of camp thought that they were being treated to a re-
turn of their rebel friends, who had formerly occupied the same
- camp.
The days of 1863 rolled by and we find that 41 of the
original 101 had re-enlisted as veterans, to which may be added
49 recruits including the under cooks. 31 of the original num-
ber and 29 recruits, 60 in all, were mustered out July 13, 1865.
Of the total number of 147, 4 were killed in action, 6 died of
wounds, 10 of disease, 28 wounded, 15 discharged for disability.
4 to accept promotion in other bommands. 19 stoten bottles
were discharged Sept. 27, '64, and 9 deserted.
H. P. W. Cramer of Mendon, organized part of the com-
pany at his home; consolidating with the Marcelline Guards
was elected 1st Lieutenant. Feb. 5, '62, promoted to Captain,
"ZnZITH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
503
ami was ums ".-.:'-:
fully served Lis ~
John -. '
unlisted, nu:?:- :
12 th day of O:.:
l*t Sergeant suit?
» ran, was ; r - :_
resignation c-f — _--
date from St. ~. *i'
and funrish-c Liir:
the .sea.. At _:«t:. i
convmission ti.s Li .*_-
company an : ~^ :
Cap:.' 2=rs
race, The c<ri=£ ::I^
on page 39 L, ti.* -
safely throcjsi iLL
I as since ' . t--~ i ?:
day is ago, JLiy 1 ?-r-
llomo at Q~_z r~ ~
the war, wozkfz^s i
Sergei!^,- I£ i
U' ''i of the :■ 7 : ■..::
In ftlth see-:xx.s n
r " ecmpacT" r. - ■:
atul was s i . i — :.-_.
" •'•-,!i prom ■ z -•• i
* anced, II r ->«-_"
v i. at Ron
Cramer a.c : -v ,.- --
" nant LI -■ .. — i-
Hi--. : re
iml hisiorv :c l_l-
lb'« history ;-' ^
r-dla, and : : z Ny?
:nn at Rome, Ga., Sept. 15, '04, having faith-
:r_-Li: of Mendon, was 80 years old when he
*_ i by trade a carpenter. Enlisted on the
-si. 1S61, as a private and was promoted to
•Llnr Henry Bissell. He re-enlisted as a vet-
l :.:.- '2nd Lieutenant July 26 and after the
iz. Bissell was promoted to 1st Lieutenant to
. "4>4: was soon after detailed as A. R. Q. M.,
>~s_k and bacon to the boys on the march to
znnilie, X. C, March 20, 1865, ho received a
-T.Lir., to date from Sept 15, 1SG4, rejoined his
n~sT£Ted out with the regiment July '65.
;i~ is one of the sufferers of the famous foot
Lijrd march of May 13 to 20, 1SG5, recorded
■ >" much for him. and after having passed
ii f vicissitudes of camp life to that time,
z.-:a::t sufferer from that folly — only a few
L h~ was borne to the Soldiers' and Sailors'
:>3 ureatment. He has lived in Mendon since
t lis trade.
.cy. elected 2nd Lieutenant at the organiza-
v* sraceeeded L'ieiit. Cramer as 1st Lieutenant.
i:tv been Ins portion of army life, and after
:i:-i the regiment in June, 1800, he resigned
by 1st Sergeant Henry C. Bissell, who had
Im:. Lieutenant when the others had been ad-
i -with credit and was mustered out Sept. 20,
imparting for home in company with Capt.
'Z;:\'r-"ded by Levi Wright, who had been Cor-
iL Lieutenant and mustered as 1st Lieuten-
& ier'H dead for some years,
■ ;:mrpose to deal with the general movements
.-_ 'irpanies. for the history of the regiment is
. In the roster will be found the company
s degree, an account of what became of each
.: : ' rpose here to deal with the personel of
504
HISTORY OF THE
the membership of the companies, and in this our data and
assistance from those who still live is so meagre as to almost
warrant a failure to begin with.
In taking up the company rolls of those who enlisted
when the companies were first organized, we can only speak of a
very few whose names and faces are called up by reason of some
incident in our soldier life, or since our return. It will be oar
endeavor to especially mention those who have contributed to
this work'.
John M. Borts of Mendon, or The Doctor, as our cooks
were called, will be remembered for his neatness and the savorv
messes lie prepared. He was company cook until the regiment
took the field for more active service, necessitating the dividing
up of the company mess into squads. A good soldier; was
wounded at Allatoona and promoted to Sergeant for bravery.
Discharged May 15th, 1865, on account of wounds.
Ben. Brook, the baker at St. Joe, veteraned and mustered
out, disabled, .May 28, '65.
John Clark will be remembered for his sharp, shrill voice,
as John Clark the hunter, having, while the company was at
Red Tank, killed a deer; also mentioned in Special Orders No.
18 and 22, while H. C. Cecil is mentioned in No. 32 and both
excused from duty.
%
Samuel G. Cooke, a farmer.
aged 20 and single when he en-
listed at Mendon, Ills., October
14, 1861, as a private; was pro-
moted to Corporal at Chillicotho
Mo., Oct. 1861, and to Sergeant
at Clarksville, Tenn., Feb, 1862.
November 22, '02, with Cy. Bal-
lard, Chas. Knox & Ben. Mcore,
1
■
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
505
I
with another Sergeant, captured six prisoners. Discharged
June 7, Y>4. at Rome, Ga., to accept 1st Lieutenantey in com-
pany A. 4.4th U. S. C. T., and assigned to command company 1,
same regiment, holding the same until the close of the war.
Was captured at Dalton, Ga., Oct. 18, !64, with the command;
transferred from the Department of the Tennessee to Depart-
ment of Cumberland, by order of Major Gen. 0. 0. Howard, and
discharged on account of disability the 9th day of June, 1865.
lie now resides in Branford, Connecticut, and is engaged in
fruit raising.
Then Mike G-ibony, the mocking bird, who could imitate
the bird- by whistling. He was mustered out a veteran and a
Sergeant,
John E. Haiston, or Hoboken, now of Albany, Ind., one
of the first enlisting from Marcelline, and a veteran. At Alla-
toona, fearing that Colonel Hanna would not succeed in climb-
ing the hillside, rushed to his side to assist him; observing
which Gen. Corse inquired if the Colonel was hurt. Soon after
the General and Colonel Hanna were wounded. "This is fast in
John's mind, for he declares that a few days later he was appre-
hended in destroying a picket fence, and was about to be pun-
ished when Col. H., who could not see it that way, interfered
find John was excused.
There is George W. Haworth, mustered in at Chillieothe,
One of Lieut. Cramer's recruits ; lie soon took down with typhoid
fever followed by measles, and received a furlough. Kejoined
the regiment August 3rd, 186:?. At Corinth, October 3rd, was
wounded in the right forearm, got a sick leave from the regi-
ment to St. Louis, where he was discharged January 25, 1863.
February -4. 1S64, concluding to try it again, he re-enlisted in
company A, and at Allatoona caught it in the face and mouth.
'1 he ball entered through the left cheek, cut his tongue half oil'
and breaking his right lower jaw off, passed out under his right
••ar. That stopped him from luting hard-tack and he got an-
other leave of absence to Quincy, to live on spoon victuals.
>m here he was sent to Louisville, K\\, where he rejoined the
(82)
Kn
s
50G HISTORY OF THE
1
company and was mustered out with the boys. He now lives at
Hartford, Warren county, Iowa.
Mordecai Harding enlisted August 20, 1861; was in the
battle of Fort Donelson. Went home shortly after with leave
Corinth, he was dropped from the rolls as a deserter. After re-
maining in camp for some time lie returned north and enlisted
in the 1st U. S. Cavalry; was in the battle of the Wilderness,
and wounded on the 7th of May 1864, and on the 22nd of De-
cember following received his discharge at Carlisle Barracks on
account of Surgeon's certificate of disability. His discharge is
signed by Major W. B. Royal commanding regiment, and bears
certificate of good character. It will thus be seen that by sub-
sequent service he orYered condonation for failure to report back
to his company at the expiration of his leave in 1802.
Rufus K. Jov comes next to mind ; an elderly man who
never could learn to keep step. At last found his place, where
he could serve his country acceptably, was detailed by Special
Order 47, Oct. 23, 18G2, as ambulance driver. Tenderly he
cared for the sick and disabled boys in his charge until he was
discharged, Sept. 27, ?G4.
Elijah Kendall, called Doc., from having passed off a
good joke on Surgeon Kendall, and noted for the marvelous
stories he could tell. Enlisted in September, '01 ; wounded at
Corinth; veteraned and promoted to Corporal; was a color
guard at Allatoona, and can. be seen in the Hag chapter; was
mustered out with the regiment, Resides now at Fowler, HI.
Zeke, his brother, was a genius, a recruit, nick-named by
Col. Hanna, "Black Jack," will be remembered as one of the
favored ones; excused from duty by Special Orders No. 22 at
Raleigh, and 82 at Louisville, for clean gun and soldierly ap-
pearance. Zeke was a case, sure. At Washington orders wen1
to have shoes and equipments blacked and in good order
for dress parade; when the regiment formed on the 29th of
May, Zeke was there in good order, even to his feet, that w<.*rf
nicely blacked — asked why he came out in that way. he said,
\
on account of dangerous illness of child, resulting in its death.
Failing to return to his regiment until the summer of 18GB at
...
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
507
"orders were to black our shoes, and these are the only ones I
have."
C. S. Lindsay, or Band Box, .was born in Washington co.,
Pennsylvania, April i}2, 1-842 ; moved to Ohio with his parents
in 1849, slopping awhile in Wheeling, Va. Moved to Adams
county, 111., near Mendon, and run an engine for Fletcher's
mill. Enlisted in 1861 ; April 15, '62, promoted to Corporal,
and was detailed on special duty in the Signal corps. In the
spring of '64 was reduced to the ranks at his own request, to
enable others to succeed him, and was discharged as a Private
at Rome, Ga., Sept. 27, 64, at expiration of term. For several
years has been a magistrate and pension agent at Arkansas
City, Kansas.
Following him we recognize John P. Randolph, whose
photo, appears in our flag chapter; lie resided at Woodville, en-
listed at Mendon in August 1861, and early came to the front
as one of the best drilled members of company A; promoted to
Corporal he was honored by being selected as color guard in the
first regular detail for that purpose; soon was promoted Ser-
geant, and at Goldsborough was so proficient in the tactics that
he was detailed by Special Order No. 18, as Drill Sergeant of
the regiment. Assisted by the Sergeants and Drill Masters of
the different companies the many recruits received at that time
were put' to their mettle: lie was again detailed, June 15th, by
Special Order No. o0. a?^ Drill Master to the regiment, and in
the short time allowed them to July 1st, they were sufficiently
versed in military evolution to participate in the great prize
drill. Sergeant Randolph is by nature a pleasant companion;
was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant of company A, but on ac-
count of reduced number of men in the company was not
i mustered,' and was mustered out as 1st Sergeant. He now re-
sides at Brunswick, Mo., and is Superintendent of Brunswick
Fair Association.
Hezekiah O. Stovall. While at Lynnville we were annoy-
ed by a guerrilla by the name of Dunk Cooper, who, with one
or two fellows, would attack our foragers and dash awav. The
508 HISTORY OF THE
following, regarding his capture, is from the pen of Major J. H.
Fitzgibbons, published in the Western Veteran :
"In March, 1864, Col. Mizner, then in command at Co-
lumbia, Tenn., determined to use every means in his power to
capture or kill this Cooper. A reward was placed on the man's
head, and scouting parties — I had command of one — were sent
, . into the mountains to find them, but all without effect.
"Col. Mizner sent a foraging detail to Swan creek early
in the month, and along with the wagons was a bright young
fellow named Stovall, a private of company A, Fiftieth Illinois
infantry, who had been provided with a good mount for this
particular work. There were twenty troopers of the Vth Penn-
sylvania with the wagons, and Stovall, with six of these, were
searching for fodder over Swan river when they unexpectedly
came on four men dressed in butternut, leisurely riding towards
the mountains.
"As soon as the men in butternut saw the men in blue
they straightened up, put spurs to their horses and were away
at a gallop. The troopers emptied their carbines and two of the
guerillas fell, the other two increasing their speed unheeding
the cry to surrender.
"'I believe one of those fellows is Dunk Cooper!" shout-
ed Stovall.
"The fugitives overheard him, for one of them turned in
the saddle and yelled back as he fired: "Yes, cuss you tins,
I'm Dunk Cooper! Follow at your peril !"
"Unheeding this threat Stovall, who was the best moun-
ted of the party, drew his revolver, gave full rein to his horse,
and dashed after the two outlaws. He soon left his compan-
ions far behind, but to use his own language, he ''wanted Dunk
Cooper" and didn't care whether he was alone or not.
"Cooper and his companion dashed up the rough bed of
a creek, but about a mile beyond the point where he was dis-
covered his horso fell. Before the guerilla could remount Sto-
vall was on him, shouting "surrender!"
"Cooper's companion reined in and raised his pistol i^
fin.-, but a shot from StovaTPs revolver sent him reeling from
^
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
509
his horse, and then the young Illinoisan was alone with the
desperate outlaw.
"Cooper 'tried to get out his pistol, but the hammer
caught in his belt. Then he drew a long knife and made for
his determined enemy. He was scarcely two yards away when
Stoyall fired again, the bullet cutting along the outlaw's scalp,
bringing him to the ground.
k'I had come down from the hill with fifty men to Swan
creek, with the feeling that all the cavalry in the army could
not capture Dunk Cooper. When I saw young Stovall coming
back to the wagon with two prisoners, and one of them was the
wretch who had led me such a long ride and who kept me awake
for many an hour planning his capture. On this occasion the
gallant young Illinoisan proved to be the right man in the
right place,"
George Tuxford, a nervy fellow about 21, only a recruit,
but his life was laid down for his country's flag — without a
murmur. He was wounded in the leg at Allatoona, and to save
his life amputation was performed close to the body. He lived
only a few hours, and requesting his comrade to write to his
father of his misfortune, passed to the grea^ beyond.
COMPANY B.
-
THE foundation on which this company was organized was
made in 1S5V, by the organization of a company of State
militia, known as the Clayton Guards. Kobert Campbell
was Captain, John YV. Smith, 1st Lieutenant; H. E. Horn, 2nd
Lieutenant and James YV, Anderson, 1st Sergeant. This com-
pany was uniformed and armed with Harpers Ferry flint-lock
muskets, and drilled in Scott's tactics, under John AY. Smith.
The principal duties it performed was to accept invitations to
large gatherings, as a drawing card. Military companies not
being plentiful at that time their appearance was one of <_rr»'at
interest. The first county fair at Ml, Sterling will be remain-
510
HISTORY OF THE
•
bered by the elderly people as one in which their presence
proved a financial success.
In the fall of 1858 an invitation from the committee of
arrangements at Mt. Sterling to act as escort to Abraham Lin-
coln was accepted, and the members of the Clayton Guards had
the honor of attending him from the Parker House to the stand
in the grove at the north part of town. At this time they little
thought they were escorting the future President of the United
States and the Commander in Chief of the army.
During 1859 and 'CO the members of this company began
to realize that war was at hand, and resolved to stand by the
Union. An effort was made to hold the organization together,
but without success, for at the first call for troops a part of the
company enlisted and continued to enlist until tut few remain-
ed. Then K. K. Jones of Quincy, appeared and demanded the
muskets for the protection of Quincy from invading foes; this
was refused until an order from the Adjutant General of the
State was received. Then, disarmed and discouraged, the num-
bers became more reduced until all that were left of the Old
Guard was Smith, Horn, Harbison, Elias Orton and Anderson.
By arrangement with Capt. J. W. Smith, the leader, and
Dr. Bane, authority was given to recruit a company for the
Adams county regiment, then organizing at Quincy; this was
about July 20, and by August 1st it was full and in rendezvous at
Clayton, reaching Camp Wood on the 18th, and being the sec-
ond company to arrive was called company B.
Notwithstanding the military training the tactics were
new and all had to be learned over again. At the organization
of the regiment the election of officers resulted in the election
of J. W. Smith, Captain; Henry E. Horn, 1st Lieutenant; Wil-
liam H. Harbison, 2nd Lieutenant, and non-commissioned otli-
cers as in the roster.
A few days after going into camp William lb Brown sud-
denly sickened and passed away; the first to be laid upon our
country's altar. Although not having been sworn in as a sol-
dier, he is entitled to a hero's honor.
As a company it stood high in military conduct and
1
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
511
served with distinction, participating in all the moves and bat-
tles in which the regiment was engaged. Was on detached duty
at Snake Creek Gap, as division headquarters guard two days,
and at Savannah, Ga., where it remained until wo moved to
Sisters Ferry, when it was relieved by company B of the 57th
Illinois, at the earnest reouesl of 2o\. Hanna.as he desired their
services during the campaign through the Carolinas. At Louis-
ville, Ky., it was again detailed by Captain Evarts and served
at division headquarters as guard, and had the honor of bearing
to the regiment, from division headquarters, the Prize Banner
won at the great competitive drill July ^vd, '65.
Of the service of this company it is impossible to enu-
merate it in detail ; suflice it to say that the most of it, as with
the others, is recorded in the preceding pages. The first to re-
sign was Capt. John W. Smith, by reason of poor health, and
then the usual changes followed. He was succeeded by Henry
E. Horn, and he by John Dun lap, who was 28 years of age and
married when ho enlisted as a private, 20th of August 'G2; re-
enlisting as a veteran in "0-1.
At the close of the war had
passed through the various
grades of Corporal and Ser-
geant and was mustered out
as Captain. Has been in the
railway mail service for the
past 18 years, and resides at
West Line, Mo.
James \V. Anderson, a ^'^
blacksmith bv trade, married ' '
and 29 years of ago; enlisted';
as a private m company B v-v: v ^///
August 20, and was mustered \\^
into the service as 1st Ser-
geant Sept. 12th, 1S(U. .1 line
1st, 18G2, he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and served
with his company until at Corinth, Miss , in August. After the
celebrated prize drill of Augu.-t 8th, 1808, (seepage 21-1,) he
r
:
!
AV
i N N
:m
2ND LIEUT. J. W, ANDERSON
■
!
512
HISTORY OF THE
was detailed on staff duty at brigade headquarters with Col. M.
M. Bane commanding the brigade, and continued as such until
the departure of Col. Bane for home, when he was detailed as
A. D. C. to General Vandever, and with him went to the front.
It was his privilege and duty to bear the famous dispatches for
Allatoona, from Gen. Vandever to the signal officer and the re-
plies back, recorded on page 804, and" may be seen represented
on page 805 intently and anxiously observing through his field
glass, from the top of Kennesaw Mountain, the desperate fight
then in progress at Allatoona.
In the fall he went with Gen. Vandever to Louisville,
thence proceeding, by way of New York, to Savannah, Ga., in
charge of the headquarters equipments, where he arrived about
the 25th of January, '05. and was mustered out on the 27th.
Lieut. Anderson was a good soldier, prompt and efficient,
and took great pride in performing the duties assigned him.
His picture, as he appears to-day, may be seen in the group of
History committee.
W. H. B. Hinson enlisted
at Camp Wood on the 20th
of August, 1861; served as
Corporal until April '62, when
he was promoted to Duty
Sergeant. After the battle
of Corinth was promoted to
Ordinance Sergeant by Spe-
cial Order No. 58, Nov. 19,
and relieved March 28, 1868,
and promoted to 1st Sergeant
■• company B. June 10, 1865,
<^^\$; ' \ ' received a commission as 2nd
Y v ^ v^'fl J mV$ , ■ ■•' -•'/' Lieutenant and was discharg-
■ :hS'\- .": u Jj /{' ©d-at Springfield, 111., July 18,
'C5. Participated in ,all the
2nd lteut. w. h. b. hinson. engagements in which the
regiment took part during the war. including the march to the
sea and the grand review at Washington.
?'-"" " ' ',:..'- ;."-'-"- '■ '- - -' ■'■■
\
§
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
518
w ■
#J mm
in*1
. h 4 ' : - ,--
'.V..V-
W^ '} M !//' ft? r
Geo. W. Burke, private, by occupation a farmer, enlisted
at Qnincy, August 12th. j T>~,
and joined his company in
the field at Corinth soon af-
ter. But after a year's hard
service, on account of failing
health, he was detailed as a
clerk with Oapt. H. L. Burn-
ham, Provost Marshal, and
afterwards as clerk at head-
quarters 4th division, 15th A.
C, which position on account
ol sobriety and punctuality,
he retained until the end of
his term, lie was on Sher-
man's march to the sea. and
from Savannah to Washing-
ton, I). C. at which place he
was mustered out. May 26th, 1S65. Returning to his home at
Elm Grove, 111., he at once began farming. This being a little
too heavy for his physical make up he turned his attention to
fruit growing, in which ho has been successful, and now has
©lie of the largest orchards in the State. lie has alwavs held
positions of honor and trust, and is at present Postmaster and
running a thriving country store at Pine Grove, 111.
Robert M. Ewing was one of the boys
who enlisted Aug. 20, 1861, and re-en-
listed ; served to the final wind up and
was discharged with his company. He
was promoted to a Corporal in April '62 ;
was a faithful soldier, always ready for
t^lHs duty, and on many occasions served on
GEORGE W. BURKE.
mmmmm
vr
R. M. EWING.
duty as Sergeant, in charge of details for
some special service. Corporal Ewing
was wounded by the explosion of am-
munition at Fort Henry, with Abe Cas-
sell and Isaac F rev, see account on page
-
i
I
514 HISTORY OF THE
61 — also slightly wounded at Buzzard's Roost, and again at
Allatoona; he was bom in Schuyler county, 111.. July 10, 1835;
has resided in Kansas for the past 16 years, on a good farm
near Arlington. Is a member of Post 242; has raised a family
of six boys, attends all re-unions that are held within reach,
and votes as he shot,
Peter Huddleston, now of Monument, Kansas, a farmer,
aged 17 when lie enlisted at Clayton in company B, as a private.
Served with the regiment continuously and enlisted as a veter-
an. Was wounded at Lay's Ferry May 15, '64, in both knees,
and mustered out with the company July 18, '65. Peter is one
\ of the comrades who, having done his duty well in defense of
the old Hag, has great pride in the credit of company B, and
furnished the copy of the order of drill at Corinth, Aug. S, '63,
for this book that it may be placed to the credit of the boys.
William H. Harbison when enlisted was a resident of
Clayton, married, aged 28, and by profession a school teacher.
Enlisted as a Sergeant and Sept. 12, '01, was promoted to 2nd
Lieutenant to date from August 20, '61. Was slightly wounded
at Fort Donelson, in the side, by a canister shot. Served with
his company nine months and in Juno 1862. was promoted to
1st Lieutenant. July 18(32 was ordered to Quincy, Illinois, on
recruiting service and returned to the regiment at Corinth in
January 1863; was detailed as Acting Adjutant, and having
served four months was detailed as Acting R. Q. M. and as such
served the remainder of his term, being mustered out at Rome,
Ga., Sept. 15, '64, on account of expiration of term of service.
He was succeeded by John 1). Ruddell, who enlisted as a private
and promoted step by step until when he was discarged, July
1865, he wore the straps of a 1st Lieutenant.
David Laughlin was 23 years of age, unmarried, a farmer
and resided near Clayton. Enlisted at the organization of the
company and was wouhded in the left hand at Shiloh. In June
1862, he was promoted to Corporal, and a short time previous
to the battle of Corinth was verbally detailed as Color Guard,
and is specially mentioned in the report of Col. J. V. DuBois,
commanding the brigade, for bravery, (See page loO.) He
I
i
\
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 515
Bras continued as guard and Color Bearer until June 1864, at
Home, when he was detailed in the first regular detail. Was
in all the marches, battles and skirmishes except Allatoona,
and bore the flag through every creek and swamp to the sea,
through the Carol inas and the Grand Review, back to Louis-
ville. Ky., and was there promoted to Sergeant and mustered
out with the company. Of Sergeant Riley Dave says: "Riley
of company E, was always right there with Banner or Flag.
What is the differance? We both stood up to be shot at. He
was a brave man, and! liked him."
Preston Lathrop was 19 years of age, unmarried ; a far-
mer, also residing near Clayton. Enlisting as a private in July
lv>>], was mustered into the service with the company to date
from August 20. Was promoted to Corporal in '62, and wounded
in the shoulder at Shiloh. Promoted to Sergeant and was with
Lieut. Col. Gaines at the capture of Major Fontaine, Dec. 15,
1808, and has in his possession one of the Major's pistols as a
trophy of the event. He re-enlisted and was detailed to go to
Illinois with Col. Gaines, on recruiting service, preceeding the
regiment on their veteran furlough, and was detailed on de-
tached duty with Thompson's Scouts for two months for Gen.
Vandever, returning to the company for duty a few days before
the battle of Allatoona. where he was wounded in the head.
Soon after he was detailed as Color Sergeant (see his picture in
Hag chapter). ' At Savannah was taken sick, rejoining the com-
pany at'Goldsborough, and was mustered out with the company-
** Xow resides at Lebanon, Mo., with wife and six children, five
b<«ys and one girl.
J. A. Scoggan, now of Cowgill, Mo., was a recruit, enlist-
ed Feb. 11, 1864, and his experience is worth relating. Not
having his description I cannot give his exact age, but he was
nothing but a boy, of a jovial nature, and enlisted expecting to
have some fun. On the 22nd of June he, with Corporal Rob-
bins and Pri, Nookes and Sweed were captured, as related on
page 2fc0, were taken to Cave Spring the first night. There
were joined by 80 other prisoners who had been captured the
'•■;•" '-iore, were then marched to Blue mountain, distant about
51G
HISTORY OF THE
75 miles, put on the cars and taken to Cahaba Ala., on the Ca-
haba river: stayed thereuntil sometime in November, when
the prison became so crowded that 500 of them were sent on-
to Mastodon, Miss., and placed in a stockade two months.
While here Gen. A. J. Smith got too close and they were ship-
ped back to Cahaba. Remained there until in March 1" ■
when they were all brought to Vieksburg. Miss., for exchange.
The four of company R were together all the time until tie y
got to our lines at Yickshurg, when they were all taken sick.
Robbies and Nookes were sent to the hospital at Vickshurg.
While Scoggan was exchanged on a special order of 25, the rest
were sent through two weeks later. Robbins died in the hos-
pital at St. Louis.
Lewis Slater exhibited bravery unparallelled. Wounded
in tie: ankle on the first day at Shiloh, he lay on the ground
while the enemy passed over and be^yond him, far to the rear.
As they passed he would fire until they weie beyond his reach,
as opportunity offered. Lie lay on tie: field all night, ami as
the enemy tied the next day, pursued by Buell, he began to tire
as they passed, lie had when the battle began forty rounds of
ammunition and fired all out three. This soldier lived near
La Prairie, Adams county. Illinois.
Sergeant Edmund 0. Yeldell was one of the old guard —
left it to enlist in company D 10th Infty, April 1SG1 ; havimr
served his first enlistment was one of the first to enlist at the
organization of this company, and was mustered in a- 4th Cor-
poral, lie was a good soldier — handicapped from promote i
by stammering, but very efficient in anything lie was order* I
to do. Re-enlisted and promoted Sergeant, he was, on tie1 UUe
of May, near Calhoun, directed in' Gen. Corse in person to move
forward with the skirmish line in his charge, left oblique, and
join on General YeaclWs line. H" did not find Gen, Veache -
line, but did find Pat. Clay born \s men — tie1 johnnies — eomim:
on a double quick". At Rome. Ga., he was detailed t<> take
charge of the burial force, and under his care the cemetery {-■•'
page 289) was prepared. Comrade Yeldell was discharged : -
Sergeant and has rendered valuable assistance in this tvork.
I
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 517
In connection with company B it will be well to record
the following short reminiscence of the Irish brigade of com-
pany E, and their so-called supernumary, George Ketzley of
company B :
While the regiment was doing police and patrol duty in
Corinth, the following incident occurred. The Irish brigade
,. was composed of three Irish boys of company E and one of their
chums, George Ketzley of company B, a German. They were
about the same size; small in stature, but very vigilant in dis-
charging every known duty; consequently they made good pat-
rols. The writer being officer of the guard reported with them
to the Provost Marshal, Oapt. Van Sellers of the 12th Illinois.
Before relieving the old guard an order was read which prohib-
ited officers or soldiers from using or riding in buggies or vehi-
cles of any kind, other than government, and authorized all
guards to arrest any and all persons so offending. The Irish
brigade, with their supernumary, was on the first relief and
ordered out; while they were near each other, seeing in the dis-
tance a carriage approaching, they formed a line across the
street and at the proper time halted the turnout, which proved
to be General Sweeney, our division commander — who had
issued the order — and his driver. The General was very
wrath v and told the boys, as he had issued the order, of
course it did not apply to him. The boys told him they would
carry out their instructions at all hazzards, and commanded
forward, march, wliich command was obeyed, the brigade occu-
pying the following positions, one of the brigade holding the
bit of the oil horse, the 2nd on the right side of the carriage op-
posite the door, the 3rd on the left in the same position, and
the 4th in rear. During the march to the provost office the
General, in very rough language, abused the boys, threatened
them with arrest and punishment unless they released him, but
finding that he could not bluff nor scare them, changed his
tactics and begged them to release him as it would injure his
standing as their division commander. The General's kind
words availed him nothing. Onward they moved, heeding not
his threats or entreaties; arriving at the Provost Marshal's
518
HISTORY OF THE
I
office the carriage was halted and its occupants reported. The
General asked for an explanation. The Provost Marshal refer-
red him to his own order prohibiting officers and soldiers from
riding in carriages, &c. He then ordered the boys to release
the General and let him go. The General did not tarry; he
immediately returned to his headquarters and modified his
order so as to give him the privilege of using a carriage when it
suited his convenience.
-o-
COMPANY C
'AS composed of three distinct elements from which vol-
unteer soldiers were drawn. The Payson Guards, the
Quincy Cadets and persons of various vocations, and
equally patriotic with those two organizations, but unattached
to any company and knowing little of .military matters.
The Payson Guards were organized during the spring and
early summer of 1861, by W« M. Gooding assisted by PL L.
Burnham. It was common to hold citizens meetings and the
people of Payson, as of other places, encouraged the gatherings
and as. the "war feelings" developed the company was organized
and drilled. \Y, M. Gooding having had the advantage of some
military training while a member of the "Quincy Blues," was
chosen Captain.
The Guards soon developed into quite a large company,
and became well trained in the school of the soldier and com-
pany, as far as this could be accomplished without arms.
The company always showed much pride in maneuvering
and upon one occasion, July -1th, 1861, was placed upon their
mettle by the presence of Capt. T. \\\ Gaines' command, from
Stone's Prairie, which afterwards became company I) of the Fif-
tieth. Capt. Gaines being an old soldier, having seen service in
Mexico, kept the Guards doing their best the entire time.
The Guards did good service for the country by attend-
ing, as an organization, many meetings and enthusing the peo-
ple with patriotism by their presence.
■
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 510
About this time a report was sent to the company that
the rebels, under Price, were approaching Hannibal, Mo. The
company being requested to re-inforce the 16th Illinois Inft'y
then on duty at that place. Capt. Gooding and his co-worker,
Lieut. Biirnham, with about forty others, responded to the call,
but the enemy failed to appear; there were no gaping wounds
. and the boys all took a "square" meal at home next morning.
Upon notice that the services of the company would be
accepted a union between it and the second element referred to
in the beginning of this article, the Quincy Cadets, was formed.
The Cadets were composed mostly of mere lads yet in
their teens, sons of good families of Quincy. They had been
instructed, directly and, indirectly, by Captain, afterwards Gen.,
B. M. Prentiss. Their Captain, Theodore W. Letton, and a
number of the men were models in the drills peculiar to the in-
dependent military organizations of the time, and all were justly
proud of the reputation of the company.
Capt. Letton having joined the Guards with about twenty
of his men so increased the number that tents were obtained
and the company went into camp at Payson, with W. M. Good-
ing as Captain, Theodore W. Letton 1st Lieutenant and Horace
L. Burnham as 2nd Lieutenant. The company remaining at
Payson a few days recruited, among others. M. M, Pane, H. W.
Kendall, Garner II. Bane, Wm. Keal, T. Jeff. Brown, Samuel E.
Hewes, Jno. \V. Fisher, Geo. Walker, George Morris and Chas,
C. Bprague. Tins strong force of the iiekl and staff, commis-
sioned and non-commissioned, gave to company C the appella-
tion of ''Bane's Rifle Guards," and was sometimes called the
"Payson regiment.'1
Following is a copy of the notice of acceptence, by the
State, of the company's service:
General Headquarters, State of Illinois,
Adjutant General's Office,
Springfield, August 10th, 2802.
Capt. Wm. M. Gooding and T. IF. Letton,
Qvincy.
Gentlemen; — Your company is accepted and you will
i
520' HISTORY OF THE
proceed immediately to Camp Butler, Sangamon county. Your
attention is particularly directed to the enclosed Drders, which
must be strictly complied with. Telegraph from Quincy when
and by what train you will move and when arrive at camp.
Yours truly,
(Signed) JOHN P. LOOMIS,
AssH Ad'ft General.
As related by one of the company:
The order quoted above was received August 12th," but
through the iniluence.of friends who were interested in the or-
ganization of a regiment to be composed of Adams county men,
the order was rescinded, we moved to Quincy and became com-
pany C, (color company) of the Fiftieth.
While at Quincy we continued to fill up the ranks of the
company, thus introducing the third element, men from all
parts. These men proved as trustworthy as any others, and
assumed places of responsibility equally as well.
Having.been in camp a few days the boys desired to march
out to Payson for a little recreation, expecting to return the
next day. On the route, near Webster school, Quincy, Mike
Ward and Wra. Miller were met, duly enrolled and given passes
to camp. They proved to be good soldiers and a credit to the
company. The company then proceeded, on the march to Pay-
son, where it arrived in due time, happy and pleased, and were
, greeted by Mends who assured them that rest and food were at
their command.
The reader has heard probably, of. the man who did not
hang, when all was -in ■ i**uliness, because of a horseman with
the pardon. In this case we were about to break ranks when,
lo! just in the "nick of time," a horseman with "foaming steed"
dashed upon the scene. We did not expect any pardons, but a
little rest. The horseman was none other than the Adjutant
■
with orders for our immediate return to camp, circumstances
having occurred that made our presence necessary.
An immediate return would have done but we were not
ready to go. The good people hustled us oil to their homes
■
i
I
I
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFAKTRY
521
where we were fed and housed in a manner that was a sweet re-
lief after our f(j\v days of unaccustomed camp life.
In due time Charley Fee's drum aroused us to the seri-
ousness of life and the uncertainties of war. Assembling on
the public square we found so many conveyances that none
were compelled to march back to camp, and many returned un-
crowded by soldiers or others. At the time we did not know
that this spontaneous expression of hospitality and good will
was the last touch of sympathy or lips of loved ones before en-
tering upon the stern realities of cruel and relentless war. The
time had come "When brothers must fight, and sisters must
stay at home."
At Fort Done] son company C was still color company,
but by April 1st, such changes had taken place among company
officers that from Srd C became 2nd company with place on the
left wing of regiment in line of battle.
About July 10, 1802, Capt. Gooding resigned and Lieut.
Letton, preferring to be Adjutant, refused promotion. This re-
sulted in the promotion of Lieut. H. L. Burnham to Captain,
1st Sergeant Geo. R. Naylor 1st Lieutenant and Serg't Samuel
P. Starrett to 2nd Lieutenant. i
During the brittle of Corinth, Lieut. Naylor, who was in
command of company G, received a sun-stroke at the beginning
of the fight and that company was attached to C for the day.
-On the second day of the battle Capt. Burnham was dan-
gerously wounded through the right breast and the command
devolved upon Lieut. Starrett.
vVith the exception of a few days the company served
continuously with the regiment.
It is not possible to mention, individually, all the1 mem-
b<Ts of this company, but will note the names and items of in-
terest connected with some of them, that are too extensive for
the column of remarks in the roster, as far as we remember.
Musician Chas. W, Fee and Private Byron Winfield were
transferred to the regimental band November 1, 1801, and \\er^>
mustered out with it in April 18.0:2, We should not forget little
(88)
522 HISTORY OF THE
I
Ed. Riley nor Fred. Sherwood, the hitter now living at Ferris,
Illinois.
W. W. Burnham was severely wounded at Shiloh, re-en-
listed and was promoted into the 111th U. S. 0, T. Then we
have Geo. C. Bartells who, as one of the History Committee,
may be seen as he looks at this time in the Committee Group*',
is a P\ C. of Post 542, Department of Ills., and Guy Birdsall,
which constituted all of the original B's except those disposed
of by death, discharge or promotion.
Now comes the Carter boys, both of whom were veterans
and served to the end. Corrigan and Cleveland disabled, and
Carrico dead. Henry Cooper will be remembered as "General
Sherman."
DeLapp, sarcastic "Buss.," now a prominent Attorney in
the west, is one of the self-made men of the country.
Reuben Gunn, now of Edgerton, Mo., was one of the jolly
fellows, and was the leader in the little affray that occurred on
the return from Washington, in which the boys upon the car-,
armed with switches, compelled those within, who were armed
with stones, to sue for tonus.
Well do we remember Horatio Hughes, who died soon
after the war, and also Jas. C. Kelly, who as a vet. was severely
wounded at Allatoona.
Slater I>. Lewis was one of the first volunteers of the
company. At Rome, Ga., he was a Corporal and one of tiro
color guard. At Allatoona, a Sergeant, he was severely woun-
ded in the arm. The company officers both being down Serg't
Lewis, with his arm in a sling, took charge of the line of skir-
mishers near the4ioTspital and erecteda barricade of cottonbales
to protect the guard from the sharpshootrrs of the enemy, lb-
was mustered out as a Sergeant with the regiment at the close
of the war.
Mortimer L. Milledgo, who now lives at Berdan, III.. Ki
years and six months old at enlistment. Lived in Sangamon
county. Recruited by Capt. Gooding. The last duty perform-
ed by him was on Saturday evening at Shiloh. guarding one <>f
the boys who was being punished by standing on a barrel-
'<
i
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 523
Sunday morning he was wounded in the arm and hip and left on
the field to die. A compassionate reb. endeavored to carry him
to the rear, but a shell from the gunboats exploding near, dis-
cretion became the "better part of valor." Mori, wasabandon-
i <! and lav all night in the rain. He succeeded in reaching the
river next morning and was taken to the Mound City Hospital.
Discharged at St. Louis, Mo., November 10th, 1862. Is a mem-
ber of Post 442. Department of 111., G. A. K.
Dr. Jas. F. Nichols, now of Southwest City, Mo., was the
first man to respond to Capt. Gooding's request for volunteers
for actual service. While at Clarksville, Tenn., was stricken
down with typhoid pneumonia and pleurisy. Was sent to Lou-
isville Ky. Returned to the regiment at Corinth, May 0, 1S62.
Was discharged for disability June IT, 1862. Married and has
two daughters and three sons, whom he is teaching to live in
the fear of God, love of the Union and the "glorious old flag."
Smith Nicholson was our fearless standard bearer at the
terribly contested action of Allatoona, and where the flag waved
there were brave defenders.
E, D. Roe, the poet of company C, and sometimes "ye
pedagogue," was one of the first to enter the ranks of the com-
pany. The chum of "Rashe" Hughes, is now in the National
Soldier's Home, Leavenworth, Kans.
James P. Starrett was discharged for disability but re-
eitlisted in 1864, and served to the close of the war. Samuel P.
Starrett enlisted in August 1801, was made 2nd Sergeant and
passed successively through all the grades to the Captaincy of
his company. Was wounded slightly at Shiloh and seriously at
Allatoona. Returned to his command while on its march to
Washington. A short time after returning to his home he an-
swered the last roll-call — a sacrifice for his country's lienor.
All will remember an amusing instance of presence of
miml and nerve displayed by Corporal Jacob Sciter,. who was
,,I»i" i){ the color guard, that occurred during the battle of Cor-
inth, Oct. S, l^s2. Sciter stumbled and fell over an old tree
that lay on the ground. The rebels were upon him; he had no
mi" tu rise and retreat in "good order", nor to '\surrouud and
*
524 HISTORY OP THE
capture them," but creeping as close to the old tree trunk as
possible he "possumed" death. The enemy passed over him,
both in their advance and retreat, but had not the least idea ho
"was a very live ''Dutch Yankee" and a fit subject for treatment
at Libby or Andersonville. It is almost needless to add that
the phlegmatic "Dutchman" rejoined his colors in a short time.
Discharged as Sergeant at muster-out of the regiment.
J. A. Short, 24 years of age when he enlisted. Short in
name and short in stature, and was cut short in his military
career; and discharged for disability at Quincy, April 80, 1802,
and we suppose he remained Short some time more than two
years, but re-enlisted Uoiuj in Feb. 1864, and remained in the
service 'long as our good "Uncle" wanted him, or until the con-
federacy became "short" both in men and munitions.
Southie Collins, unmarried, farmer, age 20, enlisted Feb.
15, 1804, and served to the close of the war. Resides at Con-
cordia, Kansas.
Edwin Tyler, of Richfield, 111., age 18, farmer, enlisted
Aug. 20, 1861, at Quincy. Was appointed Corporal; participa-
ted in all actions in which the company was engaged, being at
Forts Henry and Donolson, battle of Shiloh, seige of Corinth,
and battle at that place Oct. 8 and 4, 1SG2. Was at Town
Creek, skirmishing at luka, serving continuously until reach-
ing Pulaski. In March 1804, was attacked bv a sickness that
cost him the sight ot his left eye. Rejoining the company Sep-
tember 25, 1864, was discharged on the 27th of same month bv
reason of expiration of term of service. His home is now at
Great Bend, Kansas.
Jerry Browning, recruit, joined the company October 1st
1808, at Corinth, Miss. • Remained with the command and par-
ticipated in all engagements and expeditions until Oct. 6th, '64.
Was wounded at Allatoona and sent to Rome in company with
Sergeant Lewis and Private Wm. Carter, who were also wound-
ed. From Rome, Ga., ho was sent to Nashville, Tenn. All the
boys will remember Jerry and the arsenal he carried — a hug*'
Colt's navy and accompanying Bowie knife.
Francis C. Ward, born in London, '■Canada, Dec. 25, 1844,
i
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
525
I
i
I
is'
(luring the temporary residence of his parents at that place,
having moved from New York a short time previously. At the
age of two removed to Fort Huron, Mich., and in 1S5G moved
to Quincy, 111., thence to Ralls county, Mo., in 1857. Here for
four years he heard the doctrine of secession advocated and
taught, and in 1801 saw it materialize into open rebellion. His
■ father being a great lover of the Union, taught his family rev-
erence for the flag and was for these reasons obliged to seek an
asylum elsewhere, moving to Payson, in Dec. '01. Residing at
the latter place until October '63, the subject of this sketch en-
listed, joining the company at Corinth. AYas continuously
with the company in all its movements from time of joining
until mustered out, July 18, '05, and was selected as one of the
History Committee. Can be seen in the Gronpe.
Lewis F. Roe, a recruit in the company but had seen ser-
vice before. Enlisted in Co. C Feb. 10/04; wounded at Allatoona
and mustered out. as a Corporal July 18, '05. At the out-break
of the rebellion he was serving his country as a private of Co.
F, 7th U. S. Tnfty, stationed at Fort Craig, N. M. Numbers of
the officers of the army had proven traitors and gone over to
the confederacy, among them Major Sibley of the 2nd Dragoons,
who organized a force of Texans and, invading New Mexico, a
battle was fought near Fort Craig, Feb. '2nd, 1802. Company
F went into action fifty men strong, all being wounded but one;
l)ii t fourteen were still able to march. After this battle, Val-
verde, Prhale Lewis was promoted to 1st Sergeant, and engaged
in the battle of Peralto, March loth, 1802, and having served
his term of live years, was discharged.
The following amusing inciderit, furnished by F. C.Ward,
will probably be remembered by some of the boys and may ac-
count for the absence of under-cooks in company C:
"It may be amusing to know how the company got rid of
its cook, an American citizen of African descent. In the early
part of the winter of 180o,-4, while the company was camped on
Cemetery Hill, Lynnville, Tenn., after the above mentioned
gentleman had been in charge of the culinary department of
the company some time the boys noticed that the coffee was
I
526 HISTORY OF THE
not up to the standard of "strength" required bv the average
veteran.. They remonstrated and told him to make it stronger,
which he promised to do, but all the same it became more
"frail" clay by day until they began to think of appointing- re-
lays of watchers to "sit up with it." Fearing that the "shady"
stuff might finally fade away entirely they began to investigate
and discovered that while their own coffee was growing more
pale, not by the reflection of their faces in the cups, that of
Sam's people was becoming a shade darker each day, thus har-
monizing the colors of the coffee and the coffee-bibber. Sam
was an artist, but that kind of art did not please the boys.
They did not enjoy having the complexions of Sam's family
kept up to the required standard of ebony, in vogue among his
class, at their expense. It was found that Sam was not only
robbing them of coffee, but other necessaries for the stomachs
of healthy soldiers. A plan was then devised to rid themselves
of Sam, at once and forever. Believing that "once a thief,
always a thief," a court for sham trial was appointed. The
court was organized with Rube. Gunn as judge advocate, Slater
Lewis to assist the judge advocate in the prosecution, and E.I).
Roe as "next friend." or counsel for accused; Luke Manuel court
sentinel. The court organized in the plank shanty occupied by
the writer. The accused being brought into court, the charges
were read and a plea of "not guilty" entered. Witnesses testi-
fied that the rations were short, the coffee too weak to "stand
alone" and that Sam had been caught "toting" rations away
when he went to see "de ole woman'1 on Saturday night. Sam,
upon the stand, entered a general denial. Lewis, acting for tie.1
judge advocate, presented the side of the prosecution in an able
and eloquent manner, showing how great a crime it was to
steal from those who were risking their lives for the freedom "1
the ones who were robbing them. Roe followed for the defense
making an eloquent effort, showing how the negro had been
robbed for ages, not only of necessaries of life and earnings, but
the priceless boon and birthright of all. Liberty; ending with a
pathetic appeal for mercy in case of conviction. Here the fun
commenced. Lewis, closing for tie- prosecution, reminded the
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
527
court that if the accused should be found guilty, he should suffer
the extreme penalty of the law, which was to be shot until
dead ! dead ! ! dead ! ! ! Lewis said he believed Sam had armed
for defense, and by direction of the court, began to search him,
producing a large butcher-knife from inside Sam's vest, the
knife having been placed there unknown to Sam. Lewis
remarked that the trial had already proven theft and now had
evidence of intent to murder. Sam declared "fo" God that he
did not place the knife "dar," and he-did not know how it came
to bo "dar."
"When the sentence of death was pronounced by the
court Sam trembled violently and would have fallen had not
Roe gone to his assistance, and. whispering: into his ear that he
would drug the sentinel, and told Sam when the sentinel fell to
make "tracks for the country and never return." Meanwhile
the boys had got in rear of the shanties in which we were quar-
tered and had loaded their Springnelds with blanks. Roe
brought in a canteen and gave Manuel a drink. Soon Manuel
fell to the floor, when Sam made but two leaps to carry himself
through the door and around the corner of the court-room.
When a few rods'away, and running, as he thought, for his life,
bang, bang, bang, went the muskets, and, praying and running
— •running faster than he could pray — barely touching the
ground at each leap — went down the hill and out of sight. We
saw no more of Sam until the next spring, and then he kept
shy of the regiment. After the trial we had "able-bodied"
coffee when we had it at all.
-o-
GOMPANY T).
AKLY in 1861, at the village of Stone's Prairie, now Plain-
ville, then sometimes called Shake Pag, a body of men
organized for military drill under the leadership of T. \V.
Gaines, a merchant, who had seen service in the Mexican war.
Selected as Captain, assisted by W. K. Haselwood and J. C.
Iwdgers, farmers, as 1st and 2nd Lieutenants respectively, the
528
HISTORY OF THE
company soon numbered GO men. The day after the battle of
Bull Kun Capt. Gaines requested all of the company who desir-
ed ,to> enlist for the war to step to the front; about two-third-
responded. Not having the complement of men necessary for a
company, overtures were made to H. C. Cusick of Liberty, then
recruiting at Liberty and neighboring townships of Beverly,
Burton and Richfield, offering him the position of 1st Lieuten-
ant. This otter was accepted and with his men numbering
about 51, joined his future with the Shake Rag company, go-
ing into camp at Camp Wood August 19th, '01, to help form
a regiment from Adams county. Marching into camp after
the so-called Payson regiment, it was given a position next to
it, and called company 1), and became the left color company.
An election of officers was held resulting in the election
of T. W. Gaines, Captain ; H. C. Cusick, 1st Lieutenant; W. K.
Haselwood, 2nd Lieutenant and J. C. Kogers as Orderly Ser-
geant. These last two gentlemen cheerfully relinquishing their
positions that II. C. Cusick should preceed them. The non-
commissioned officers were chosen as shown in the roster. The
company participated in all the battles and marches with the
regiment. ■
The full number of men borne on the rolls are as follows:
Original command; officers 3; non-commissioned IS; musicians
2; teamsters 1 ; privates 7:2; total. 91. Recruits 05; under cooks
4; total 09; making in all 100. Of this number, resigned 8;
discharged for promotion out of company 4; for disability 38;
old age 1 ; died of disease 10; wounds 4; killed 7; total 02, Yet-
craned -14.
Captain William K. Haselwood, promoted to 2nd Lieu-
tenant at organization of company, April 1, '62, to 1st Lieuten-
ant vice Cusick, resigned. Wounded in arm at Shiloh April 0,
while in command cf the company, and at Corinth, Oct. 4, was
slightly wounded and overcome by the heat, lying <>n the field
all night. He was carried to the hospital on the morning of the
4th, before day, unconscious. On the 9th of October, on account
of ill health caused by the above disability, aggravated by i . ron-
chitis, lie tendered his resignation which was accepted in No-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
520
<■>,
N.
vember, and he returned home; in December he was notified
that he had been commissioned as Captain of company D, to
date from October 9, succeeding Capt. Gaines. This commis-
sion was received and he rejoined the com-
pany for duty Jan. 6, '63; it bears on it
this endorsement, "Promoted for meritori-
ous conduct at Pittsburg Landing/'" In
the spring of 1803, he relieved Capt. Han-
na as chief of Grand Guard on the. staff
of Gen. Dodge, serving until June 17, '03 /$
then learning that an order of the War jm
Department prohibiting the muster of re-
signed officers was in effect, was relieved ;.IY\ VV :
Sf J ^ucag ***** .4
• HI
'////A
V
-^ 8SSAV
from duty until the difficulty was remov- ' ; ^rr1
ed. In May 1804, received notice that the capt. w. k. haselwood.
order had been reeinded w ith orders to return to his regiment for
muster, and rejoining it at Kingston, 05a., found that 1st Lieut.
Rickart iiad received a commission as Captain and was not yet
mustered, he at once decided that as Lieut, llickart had been
continuously with the company and borne the brunt of the
campaigns, was more entitled to muster than he, that he would
not comply with the order to muster and returned home; there-
fore his record in the roster shows that, he was mustered out
Nov. 14, '62, as 1st Lieutenant. In April 1872, he received the
following :
War Department,
« Adjutant General's Office,
Washington, D. C\, April ££, 1872.
Special Orders )
No. 06. S
Extract ;
II. To complete his record on rolls, William K. Hasel-
wood is hereby mustered into service as Captain company D,
50th Illinois Volunteers, to date from January 6,1868; mus-
tered out and honorably discharged as such to date June 17,
1868, (date ceased to do duty,), and he is mustered for pay in
said grade for the period embraced between the aforesaid dates.
HISTORY OF THE
\^j ^ y^s^Vv I-. being relieved neai
mlm -,\,^^;.^.V 30, and assigned to
£l""r'\[ ,;>-^v at Savannah, Ga.,
He will receive no final payment under this order until he shal
have satisfied the Pay Department that he is not indebted to
the Government.
By order of the Secretary of War.
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Official: Adjutant General.
Wm. I). Whiffle, A. A. G.
He is now health officer at Quincy, Ills., and S. V. C. of
Post 96, G. A. R., Department of 111.
Of the non-commissioned officers of this company we will
state in detail.- Rogers is noted on page 166. Whiteomb was
transferred to company K.
Second Lieutenant James S. Gayer mustered in as Brd
Sergeant at Corinth in 1802, became Or-
derly. Wounded in the battle Oct. 4th ;
became a vet, and April 16, 1864, 2nd Lieu-
tenant. Sept. 19, 18(34, special order No.
85 assigned him to duty as A. R. Q. M.,
tr Ogeechee river Nov.
command company K
Dec. 25, 1864; was in
*$m0!'- \\'i'l~''?.' . ~">^y command of companies A, II and K in the
,Wi;i'^'':^J:'Z:^ battle of Pentonville and rejoined his
—<"..' ^<t'" company April 5, '65,
Levi Shin, 4th Sergeant, served with
LIEUT. JAMES S. GAYER. ,l . t J • \ 1
the company, was a vet. and discharged
July 13, '65, as Orderly Sergeant. James Corbin transferred to
company K April 1, '62.
Charles H. Floyd, 1st Corporal, promoted to 2nd Lieu-
tenant then 1st; served as A, D. C* to General Yandeverin the
Carol inas, and .since the war became insane and is dead.
A. P. Traver, Gus., or more familiarly known as "Jack
Knife,'1 from the peculiar way he had of doubling himself up
like that article when he found it necessary to boil his coffee or
dodge a bullet. He served as a vet. to the end and died a f< vs
years ago.
feS
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
531
I
EH
^v.-_. -^s^^i *'xS^ -.■
«
s»^
St.-
Joe Evans, another Corporal, will be remembered as al-
ways making himself heard, received a commission as Captain
in company F, 118th Illinois and left us Dee. 1, '62. Was pro-
moted to Major in that organization.
William Pond became a veteran and was discharged to
accept promotion as Hospital Steward.
Captain John W. Riekart,
5th Corporal, was '20 years of
age, unmarried, a farmer and
living in Richfield, was part
of the squad organized by
Lieut - Cmsick. Enlisted A ug.
U), *61j promoted 1st Sergeant
March 1862, 1st Lieutenant
Oct. '(52 and Captain in May
1SC4. Commanded the regi-
ment on several occasions.
and was known as \\ »'S. ^^ftW§^t| -.. ■ vy- • .' fym/Mlwi
Will, F. Bacon was di, char- -^C^5S^: l|i| /.,\ f|##i
ged for disability, and L. Ma- ^s^^^MV' W''-111 ity
son Hibbard died at the hos-
pital at Corinth; his remains
were brought to Illinois and ("APT- J()HN w- k^mkt*
intored at Payson. A. C. Cooper re-enlisted as a vet. and was
mustered out July 13, '65. Of the other enlisted men we will
recall, a few.
Bart Ruby, red-headed and married, of Stone's Prairie,
was a musician, not proving an expert was selected as a nurse
in the hospital where he served with fidelity until he was mus-
tered out in Sept. '04. Groe. W. Pahs, also a musician, 18 years
of age, lived at Richfield. Enlisted with the company, re-enlis-
ted and served to the end of the war. Now lives at Oklahoma
City. Jim. Collins, the teamster o( company 1), was detailed
at brigade headquarters as orderly to Col. Bane; went through
with the boys and was mustered out as a Corporal.
Hanson Alexander, or "Old Price" comes next, as the
one to shoot first at Corinth Oct. 4th.
532
HISTORY OF THE
i;
■
Isaac Allen, aged 22, now at Camp Point, 111., was one of
the stoteii-bottles, a middle aged man now; good natured, and a
dear lover of the old flag. He and Nate Allen,. age IS, who now
lives at Scottsville, Kan., a vet., both carry trophies of Shiloh.
Geoege H. Bain, one of the handsomest men in the com-
pany, had served and was captured with Mulligan at Lexington,
Mo., and supposed to have been properly exchanged. Enlisted
in company D Nov. 27, '01. Aug. 2, '62 was, with several others,
ordered to Benton Barracks, Mo., to perfect the exchange, and
returned to the regiment the last day of Feb. 1803; re-enlisted
and was mustered out July 13, '05, a Corporal.
James M. Buck, also a veteran, what a solid good natured
fellow he was; shot through the head at Allatoona he fell in the
ditch outside the fort.
Bradshaw, we remember as sometimes moon-eyed; pro-
moted a Corporal, a color guard and discharged as a Sergeant.
His photo, is shown in the flag chapter, George Brennan, so
quiet. Buskirk and Blivins, who were disabled and left us in
June 'o2, poor fellows. Conner followed in August, and Chap-
man in November.
John Col well, better known as "Kit Carson,'1 and Bill, the
"Wild Irishman," his brother, who was the drollest one in the
company, seen always together after the battle of Shiloh, -where
Robert, their brother, was so desperately wounded. Of the
many good jokes we have on Bill this one will be remembered:
On one of the trips out from Rome the day after we had been
payed off, Bill was shot in the thigh through his pocket, "Dang
'em," said Bill, "they knew we had been paid oil and were feel-
ing for my pocket-book." Kit served his enlistment out, but
Bill saw it through.
John Cottle and Jasper Culp, both very tall men, died at
St. Joe.
Comes next to our mind Chesley Culp, who was 18 years
old when he enlisted; resided at Liberty; a great big, rollicking
fellow, although wounded at Corinth in the hip, the bullet very
near striking dead center, it could not down him. Ho re-ehlis-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
I
i
•
" 's*
«<> V; Kiss*)' TKfSV
RICHARD DEIG ELTON,
ted and served to the end of the war, and is now a dealer in im-
ported horses at Scottsville, Kan.
Richard Deightoii was 25 years of
age, married and resided at Kingston ; a
blacksmith: enlisted Dec. 14, 1861, and
was immediately detailed as Farrier at St.
Joseph, and served as such during his term
of service, which expired Dec. 12, '64, when
he was mustered out near Savannah, Ga.
He now resides at Shawnee Mound, Mo.
Lewis Foster, one who could never
learn to right dress or keep step, gave up
under tin:* rigor of camp life and was dis-
charged in August '0*2.
L. 8. Foster, or "Dick," the shortest man in the company
<>f the first enlistment, wearing the largest hat and smallest
shoes — and always happy when the jigger was near — when stand-
ing erect his knees would bend backward, reminding one of the
new moon. Dick was detailed' as blacksmith and served the
greater part of the time with Dick Deighton ; was a vet. and re-
turned with the rest.
Thomas T. Hall, who we called "Taylor," was wounded at
Shiloh and became so deaf thai he was discharged on June 12,
but this proved to be but a temporary disability, for Feb. 4, '04,
he re-enli-teu and served to the end of the war. Resides now
at Air, Kansas. Then Bbb.Hivggins, who enlisted in November
'01, wounded at Corinth, became a vet., and discharged with
the regiment.
John B. Hess, the big, good natured Dutchman, now lives
at Halstead. Kan.
James Jamison, who can forget him, known as the sugar
eater of company D, "How in the hell can a man tight with-
out sweetenin'," exclaimed Jim when he found his supply
wet by the rain. At Corinth he lost his best girl's picture, as
did many other boys, this did not please him. Later in the
day a ball cut off his haversack and passed through his canteen
spilling all his water, as related on page 180. Jim, loved chick-
534
HISTORY OF THE
ens, and was the pet of company I). Marching made him hun-
gry, and every mile traveled he could dispose
of several hard-tack, sometimes taxing the
commissary department to keep him suppli-
ed; re-enlisted, and at Allatoona the rebels
shot oft' his gun lock — so he really thought
he had been imposed on — has suffered since
his discharge with sore eyes, contracted in
rf:i.V--N- :■''"' ^'.* the service, and now lives at Dodge City,
% M^k l 111 Z. t/'«,,,.
Kansas.
William Larimore, wounded at Shiloh,
■^mff'ifl' t ■ ■■-■
W >
r
fPt" "'•, - > TV' 'iS%
i i
H .
Is I „<*"§£*. s^sa
james jimison. had tht brightest gun in the regiment at
that time. As he lay wounded near Robert Colwell, who was
also wounded, and Grigsby and Waller, who were dead, the rebs
passed over them, one picked up his gun and found that a rebel
bullet had imbeded in the lock, this made it useless and he stuck
it in the ground by Larimore's side and rilled his pockets as well
as those of his dead and wounded companions. These four were
counted out at Shiloh.
Sergeant Isaac J. Ogle was 20 years of age. Enlisted the
19th of August 1861. Was promoted Corpo-
ral-at Corinth in 1803. Became a veteran,
and on his return from the veteran furlough
brought with him his nephew, George \V.
Ogle, who passed away at: the hospital at
Rome, and it was Ike's sad dutv to assist in
burying him, Sept. o, 1804. Corporal Ogle, H^'^Mi^^^^
at Allatoona, way one of the boys deseribed^OTwC^Jll
as standing on the top of the breastworks, on ffl0SW^^w %/
page 807. An excellent marksman — as he ^fci^f//>
pulled the trigger he would call out "hip E,"
at every shot, to the amusement of Colonel Isaac j. ogle.
Hanna, who was lying near. Soon he caught it in the hip and
as he came tumbling down, was met with '"well done Sergeant;
hope you are not badly hurt." As Sergeant Ogle ho left the
held and was sent north for treatment, rejoining the regiment
at Morrisvill''. X. C, April 24 ; mustered out with the company
■ --^eri. U it :i' i
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 585
has followed farming successfully and has a large family, most-
ly girls, as patriotic as himself. Is known now as "Old Ike."
William MeManigle, aged 22 and single, a farmer, enlis-
ted as private, was promoted to Sergeant in 1862. Wounded at
Corinth by a piece of shell in the shoulder, and again at Ltty's
Ferry in May, 1864; he served out his term and was discharged
Sept. 27, '64; re-enlisted Feb. 14, '65, in the 13th Pennsylvania
cavalry, at Harrisburg, Pa., and was mustered out at Raleigh,
N. C, July 15, '65.
Sergeant Robert Mercer, we found him after the battle,
lying near Monroe Buck — a good soldier, always ready to do his
duty. He came from Liberty and has passed to an honored
grave.
James Seybold, another hero, over age when he enlisted,
but anxious to £0 out in defense of the Union.. A soldier in
the Black Hawk war. Upon leaving home StautYer and Ogle,
who was an orphan, were placed in his care by Stauffer's father.
Stauffer getting sick Uncle Jimmy obtained permission to go
and attend him at the hospital, here he was found to be a very
valuable assistant and was retained as nurse. Stauffer came
back to the regiment leaving Uncle Jimmy on duty. On the
road to Corinth Jimmy turned up one day having left the hos-
pital at St. Louis without permission*. Ho said he could not
stay and see them dog-rotted doctors use up all the necessaries
provided for the sick, who were actually suffering for what the
drunken doctors were using themselves. About the 1st of Au-
gust, the summer having proved very hard on him, when Dr.
Kendall was making his morning call to the sick in cam]), lie
approached saluting, said : ''Doctor I am 59 years old to-day.
I do not believe 1 can stand the severity of camp life and do
justice to the Government. 1 would like to be discharged."
This application was granted, see opposite his name in roster,
"old age, Aug. 0, '02."
George \Y . Stauffer, born in Fairniount township, Pike
county, 111., Oct. V>\ 1840, a farmer, unmarried! Unlisted about
August 19, iSGl, mustered into service with the company. At
Chillicothe, Mo., Oct. 61, he. contracted the measles and taking
536
HISTORY OF THE
cold became unfit for duty until at Fort Henry. While in the
hospital, Die cold having settled in his head, gathered and broke
passing out of his ears, rendering his hearing sadly defective,
and at times nearly deaf. At Shilch, April
0, while aiming at an advancing rebel, a
bullet cut his right thumb and passed
through the side of the right jaw, coming
out at the back of the neck, between the
artery and neck bone. This wound was
eighteen weeks in healing. Transported
J^fS'h^^^S^fc^ to Quincy hospital for treatment, as soon
VVu\\\W *e.-- :: WW/ ...
#¥#f#flW^ as able he was detailed to assist in caring
■7 -»'
for the wounded. Returned to the regi-
ment about the 19th of October '62, veter-
* g. w, stauffek. aned and was detailed as orderly to Major
ITanna until the regiment was dismounted. At Rome was pro-
moted Corporal and detailed in the Quartermaster's depart-
ment, where he served until mustered out, July 13, '05.
The recruits of 1862-53 we pass over with the notes in the
column of remarks in the roster. Of 1864 we recall Adolph
Bachman, now of Quincy, a German recently arrived in this
country, he enlisted Feb. 24, 1804, was single; served in all the
marches, skirmishes and battles, and on the memorable foot
race of 1805 was sun struck, resulting in disease of the heart,
■ from which he has suffered continually ever since.
James A. Crook, a chubby, round faced orphan boy of
Payson, ''enlisted Jan. 18, '04, and died November 1, 1S04, of
wounds," is all the column of remarks in the roster contains,
but this is not enough. Shot through the knee and also the
body at Allatoona, the ball injuring the vertebra?. Poor Jim
was taken with others to Rome, placed on a cot in the parlor of
the residence of Chief Justice Pumpkins, here suffering terribly
from his wounds, so painful that he could not lie still, he suf-
fered, always hoping to get well, but the continuous moving of
his poor sulTering body caused inllamation and gangrene to set
in. We remember while visiting him that he drew from behind
his pillow some little memento and fondly showed it— -then the
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 537
terrible anguish he suffered — dieiitg a hero's death. Still but a
boy, he sleeps now in an honored grave in the National Ceme-
tery at Rome.
Little Bill StaurYer, the "Shadder," resided at Beverly,
10 years of age and a farmer. Enlisted in February 1SG4,
and upon arrival at Lynnvillo took down with the measles.
'•Look here gun, where are you going with that boy?" could be
heard in the camp as Billy marched out for picket. However
he lived it through and now resides at Baylis, 111., still a
ushadder."
Benjamin West, 22 years of age, single, and from Payson.
Enlisted Jan. 20, 64, discharged at Fairfax Seminary, Ya., in
accordance with special telegram 180, May 3rd, '(35. Ben was
young in years; had served in company F, 1st Illinois cavalry,
from January 1, '02, until July 14 when three companies were
mustered out, company F being one.
Henry C. Wheeler, enlisted with the company, served
faithfully", veteraned and detailed as teamster; then to General
Yaiuiover's headquarters. Since the war Henry had the misfor-
tune to lose liis right arm, making it sometimes difficult to
keep up, but with plenty of grit and good habits he is still able
to join in the grand re-unions, and resides at Quincy, 111.
.0 —
COMPANY E.
THE assault on Sumpter aroused the patriotism of the citi-
izens of Camp Point as every where else rn the North.
The call to arms from Lincoln found a ready response
from the loyal people of the North, and especially so from his
own State of Illinois.
Among the first to take steps looking to the formation of
a company was Wm.Hanna, a young man engaged in merchan-
dising at Camp Point. Meetings were held and under their in-
spiring glow enlistments went on until the nucleus of a corirpa-
(34)
588 HISTORY OF THE
ny had been formed. Active, vigilant Young Harm a called to
his assistance Wm. W. Burchard of Pike county, who brought
I with him a number of men with which, added to Hanna's,
i •
sufficient to form a company.
It was at once accepted as a part of the Adams county
regiment, and going into camp at Quincy, was made a part of
I that regiment, assigned its positionand designated as company
E. At the company election William Hanna was chosen
i .
Captain, Albert G. Pickett, (who had enlisted in company A)
1st Lieutenant — in place of George W. Randall already selected
as Major — and William W. Burchard 2nd Lieutenant, with non-
commissioned officers as recorded in the company roster.
Nine companies having arrived in camp an election of
regimental officers was held and George W.Randall, enrolled as
i a private in company E, was chosen Major.
The members of the company were mostly young men
from Camp Point, Columbus and Quincy, although there was
quite a squad from Pike county. From Keokuk, Iowa, however
there came three boys, Irish born, but in every fibre of their f
being Americans. They constituted what was ever afterwards
known as the "Irish Brigade." Of them more hereafter. Ex-
cepting Allatoona, company E served with the regiment in
every march and battle. It justly took high rank and was
often complimented for its soldierly bearing and work. The
following order is a sample:
Headquarters 50th Ills. Inf'ty V. V.,
Camp in the Field,
Near Ogeechee River, Dec. 5th, lS6Jf.
Special Orders (
No. 63. \
The commanding officer of the 50th Regiment Illi-
nois Volunteers hereby tenders his thanks to Lieut. Win. R.
Keyte, company E 50th Regiment Ills. Inf'ty, and the enlisted
men of his company, for having their arms and accoutrements
cleaner arid in better condition than any other company in the
regiment, on inspection this afternoon. It being so decided by
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
539
the Acting Inspector General 3rd brigade. Company E will
therefore be excused from picket duty one regular detail.
HENRY HORN,
Captain 50th III. InjVy Commanding.'1''
Such an honor could not help being gratefully received
and accepted, and the company felt justly proud of so notewor-
thy a distinction. While space will prevent a lengthy account
of the services of this gallant company it is believed that
sketches of its members, as far as furnished, will be acceptable
to the readers of this history.
When the regiment first formed, Captain John M, Cyrus
was 23 years of age. lie had
been teaching school and was
unmarried. Enlisting Aug. 22,
1SG1, he was made Orderly Ser-
geant and filled the arduous and
responsible duties of that posi-
tion until April 15, 1S62, when
he was commissioned 2nd Lieu-
tenant vice William Burehard,
promoted to First Lieutenant.
October 12th, '0?. he was, upon
Lieutenant Burehard's resigna-
tion, made 1st Lieutenant, and ,
upon Capt. Hanna's promotion ^1k/ wM^^':^^^^?:.
to Major, became Captain, hold- •v^"
ing this position until October
lb, 1864, when he was mustered CAPT' J0HN M- €YRUS'
out at the expiration of his three years service,
Capt. Cynic was both capable and brave. Born Nov. 9,
1838, near Camp Point. Illinois, the second son of Elder Henry
Cyrus, a Christian minister, his early life was spent on a farm.
His education was obtained in the common school of his dis-
trict. At the very earliest possible moment, and while still
under age, he assumed the duties of a teacher and followed that
vocation for several years. Upon his return home after the
ij^sSSfW? "-■'-'•.■ £§^
>>>^
540 HISTORY OF THE
t
expiration of his army life, he was for two years in business at
Macomb, Illinois. Receiving an appointment in the Treasury
Department at Washington lie remained there two years devo-
l ting his spare moments to the study of the law, and graduating
from Columbia College, he returned to Illinois opening an
office at Quincy and soon obtained a good business. In J.un<?
1872, he married Miss Emma A. Maertz of Quincy. But with
prospects as bright as ever cheered any young man, he was com-
pelled to close up his professional career at Quincy. Ill health
incurred in the service demanded a change of climate and so,
in December 1873, accompanied by his devoted wife, he settled
in Southern Louisiana, in the hope that the mild and balmy
south might restore his shattered health. But there was no
help for him, and on February 4, 1884, at Franklin, St. Mary's
Parish, Louisiana, he fell asleep. Grenerous and loving by na-
ture, his social qualities endeared him to his old comrades as
well as to all who knew him. His widow lives in Quincy and
her name is borne upon the pension rolls of the country for
which her gallant husband gave his life.
Captain Wm, R. Keyte will be remembered as "Grand-
mother," or "Granny." From. 8rd Sergeant he rose through all
the grades until he was mustered out as Captain, July 18, 18G5.
His record is that of a faithful soldier and an excellent ofticer.
First Lieut. Wm. C. Boss was born Feb. 20, 1887, in West*
moreland co., Pa. His early life was spent not more than 2U
miles from the scene of Braddock's defeat, in the early French
and Indian wars. Being of a delicate, slight physique his par-
ents apprenticed him to the tailor trade, at which he worked
until he was nineteen years of age, when his parents decided to
come to Illinois, settling first near Mendon, afterwards moving
to the north side of Camp Point township, in what was well
known as York Neck, and where, two years afterward, his father
died. William was the oldest of a familv of eight children and
the responsibility and care fell on him and a younger brother^
Grave and thoughtful bevond his years, when the battle
call was sounded he was thrilled and anxious to respond * tit
was held back by a sense of duty to bis mother. But after the
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
541
disastrous battle of Bull Run, he waited no longer and was one
of the first to enroll his name in what afterwards became com-
pany E, In the first formation of the company he was made
2nd Sergeant. On Oct 12th,
J8G2, he was promoted 2nd
Lieutenant, and in April '63,
1st Lieutenant, to date from
March 27. Participating in
the Towncreek expedition in
April he took cold and was ~.Jg§|-l
attacked with pneumonia and y_'::^EE::
bronchitis,- which, although ^§§||il|
not of a violent form, was
£g
LIEUT, WILLIAM C. ROSS.
ambitious and would not con
sent to go to the hospital for
treatment and. with few ex-
ceptions, was always reported for duty; during this time his
brother enlisting in the 78th Illinois, had died before leaving
Quincy, and this in connection with the shattered condition of
his health, necessitated his leaving the service. He resigned
Sept. 28, '64 and arrived home October 81 h.
It was while en route home that the famous battle of
Allatooxia Pass was fought.
On November 1st, 1864, Lieutenant Ross was married to
Miss Clementine Cyrus, sister of his friend and brother ofiicer,
Capt. J. M. Cyrus. He purchased a farm near Warsaw, Illinois,
where fourteen years of his life was spent in making a coz}r,
comfortable home for his family, and in seeing his children
grow up around him. Never rugged, he never re-covered from
the effects of his severe service, and although he continued to
carry on his farming operations, it was with greater and greater
difficulty, until in April 1878, when his health gave way com-
pletely. An invalid from that time, he soon after lost his voice,
and hopelessly but patiently waited for the end.
Of an intense organism, he felt that he was his country's
542
HISTORY OP THE
and .that his broken health was his lot to bear, but that he had
been spared for years with his family instead of being called
upon to give his life while in the service. He never felt that
the saerince had been too great, but had gloried in that he had
helped in that struggle.
He and his family came back to the old neighborhood,
to his wife's old home in October 1878, and there he died Dec.
5th, 1879- His widow and four daughters survive him.
Lieut, Ross was of a very quiet, retiring disposition, and
was intimately known to but few. A man of sterling integrity
and upright character, intelligent and industrious, he was high-
ly respected and valued by those who really knew him, and was
one of those characters not easily swerved, which make our na-
tion strong and steadfast.
First Lieutenant William B. Fisher enlisted from near
Columbus, as a private, became a veteran, was promoted to Ser-
geant and then 1st Lieutenant. He was known as "Mother"' by
the boys, and took a mother's pride in the welfare of company
E, He passed away about 20 years ago with consumption,
leaving a wife and several children, three of whom are now
living.
Of the enlisted men of company E we will relate a few
incidents that have come to our knowledge, giving also quite a
number of the odd names by which
they were familiarly called. ■ There
names will illustrate the general
equipment of not only the different
companies of the Fiftieth, but doubt-
less of everv organization in the ser-
vice. As to odd names, indeed it will
be hard to find any individual who
• V%P; 'r was so unfortunate as not to be pos-
sessed of some singular cognomen.
Adam R. Jeffrey, another Corporal.
He was known as "our Jeff," detailed
as Color Guard, hispicture in the flag
:\ -., " ■t^-''t''."-~J*.
^
ADAM R. JEFFREY.
chapter resembles him in those days, while this one is as he an-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
543
pears now that he has settled down. He resides now at AVads-
worth, Nevada.
H. C. Johnson, called "Mose." and John Easum, "our
Posey," are both too modest to say anything for themselves.
A. B. Straub, known as "Go it Gallager," is now Depot Master
at Galesbnrg. He was Corporal Straub when we knew him in
18(51. "Bean Belly" was Nimrod Beer and one of our Corporals.
Corporal J. A. Loshbaugh, called the "Washerwoman."
The original Drummer of company E was George A. Rob-
inson. He now resides at
Pleasanton, Kansas, a black-
smith. At his enlistment he
was IS years of age and resi-
ded at Columbus, Adams co.,
Illinois. Enlisting as drum-
mer, he served with the com-
pany until at Shiloh, where
he was overcome by disease
through exposure, bad water
and food. He was sent to the
hospital, then to Keokuk, la.,
whore he was discharged Nov.
14,1862, for disability. Af-
terwards served two years in
the Stji Iowa cavalry. »
George Acklam, very fond
of cake he was. So marked
was his love for the article
that he was and is known to-
day as "Cakes." He thought
his cake was all dough when
he was captured at Shiloh,
and was kept a prisonsr seven
weeks, being exchanged at
Macon, Ga., and at once re-
) M
,\.
N;
GEORGE A. ROBINSON,
joined the company. He with his brother Ben. re-enlisted and
came home with the company.
I
544
HISTORY OF THE
5
'
John Boyer was known as "Dad," so it will be noticed
that "Grand Mother," "Mother" and "Dad" being around, com-
pany E was no orphan.
Benjamin E. Burns, now lives at Cambridge, Kansas ; was
20 years of age and resided at Jeddo, Mo., when he enlisted:
Sept. 3th, '61, as private. He was taken sick and discharged at
Keokuk, Iowa, Nov. 11, 02. Re-enlisted January 20, :65, and
served to the end.
Charles H. Baggs comes next on the list — this didn't suit
at all. and he was therefore dubbed ''Sacks."
William H. Castle was a resident of Camp Point, 17 years
of age, a farmer boy; enlisted August, 1861.
Full of mischief, he, Posey and Blue Buck,
at Chillicothe, determined to dispose of a
dog that annoyed them by prowling around
and stealing their provisions. Securing
from the artillery bovs some fuse and
mm K
. ""%^ coarse powder, and loading up a chunk of
:^4vA:>w/f*• meat, thev lav for their victim. When he
. ■'■!'■&''■?■' ''I J i^' fr, appeared and a few yards awav the fuse
^ i ■/ s&ef * was li
was lighted, the dog gulped down the bait
r. castle. and then ! ! ! there was dog strewn on all
the tents of company E. Captain Hanna remarked it looked
as if there had been lots of chickens around but he could not
see any feathers. Castle was wounded in the leftside at Don-
elson, on the 13th of February*, one of the first of the regiment
to shed his blood in battle, lie remained in the service until
Oct. 22, when he was discharged for disability. Recovering he
re-enlisted in 1803, in the 137th Illinois, and served to the end
of the war, taking part in many skirmishes with Gen. Forest.
John H. Childs was better known as "Frosty." It seems
to us that Frolicking Jack would have been more appropriate,
as he was always full of fun. He also was a resident of Camp
Point, a recruit of October 1803, went with the regiment to the
end. He was a great friend of our old mill. How cheerfully
he would ease the task when, having been detailed to grind on
it after a 20 mile march, by singing-—
-
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
545
... '-Here I am. Oh come here Bill,
And help me grind Old Hanna's mill."
Calvin Covert was called "Push it." He is now. a Pres-
byterian minister at Macomb. J. J. Earl was always called
"Bailie." How lie became possessed of that name we do not
know. He is now a resident of Camp Point, his old home, en-
gaged in the furniture business. His cousin, Isaac W., enlis-
ted the same time with him but could not stand the exposures
of the war, was taken sick and passed away at Rome, Ga., June
16th, 1864.
A. J. Flowers, or "Flowery Jack." Billy Goodnight, or
••Slippevnight." Little John M. Kirkpatrick was called "Old
Hiny Heely,1' he is now an M. E. preacher in Missouri. Eben-
ez'.u* Lewis, or "Blue Nose Kitty," was 19 years of age, now lives
lit Stillwater, Oklahoma. These eight were all residents of
Camp Point, and recruits ©f '64'.
David and Nathan Crystal, or as the boys called him
WW
"Crazy Nate," enlisted Oct. 30, 1861, at
Chillicothe, Mo. They both re-enlist-
ed and served to the end. David being
mustered out as a Corporal. Nate was
a good and trusty soldier, and will be
remembered by many of the boys.
Here is a brief account of some :
or his achievements. At Sbiloh, vvhenM»;
the regiment deploved. throe n*en as ''■!Wi^/i<ivA- J^'kMm'^'
skirmishers, were asked for from com- ••k \/y^
pany E. Nate, with George N. Nichols nate. ckystal.
and John Boyer went forward to the edge ^f the brush in the
ravine about 100 yards in front, found the enemy in force pre-
paring . to move around both Hanks of the regiment. As the
enemy charged the colors of an Alabama regiment were in our
front ; the skirmishers did not get back to the regiment before
it had started to retreat. As the enemy came on the rebel col-
ors and guard were close up to them and the color bearer was
killed. Nate, broke his gun over one of the guards, picked
up tiie colors and with George Nichols and John Boyer charged
546 HISTORY OF THF
after the regiment. On their way to the rear they overtook a
few of the boys endeavoring to carry Colonel Bane away. Ta-
king hold he assisted them to the rear and returned to the reg-
iment, The rebel colors were taken from him by a mounted
officer and were lettered ''2nd Alabama Inf'ty Vol." In those
days it was not realized nor understood what the historical
value of such trophies were. Nate, re-enlisted and was always
found at his post of duty.
He was wounded in the Atlanta campaign and carries the
ball in his body to-day. Detailed as a forager on the march to
the sea, he rendered efficient service; on one occasion with the
3rd brigade foragers charging a house and capturing 11 priso-
ners with their arms and 18 horses. In this charge he was
slightly wounded in the left thumb. As a successful forager he
was hard to beat, and as we look at his picture we realize that
he is getting old. He now lives at Attica, Kansas, and is proud
to have been a member of the Fiftieth.
John Feehan was 1G years of age and lived at Keokuk.
In company with Maurice Gleason, then 26 days older, and
Peter Winn, about the same age, they ran away from home ;
going to Quincy with part of Mulligan's Irish brigade. The
actions as well as the lives of these three bovs were so closelv
connected that they were at once called by Captain Hanna his
"Irish Brigade." Like Peck's bad boy, everything that was .
mischievous thev were into. If anything was missing it was
generally supposed that the Irish brigade could tell something
about it. and when approached if the missing article was in
sight in their possession they would unhesitatingly declare it
came from the 57th, or 12th, or some other regiment. When
the three started out for a lark they had a good one, and when
they were joined by George and Dan Smart of E, the two Ketz-
levs of B, and Dave Parks of F, they were nearly irresistible.
The whole posse were never known to shirk a racket, and as for-
agers were only limited by their carrying capacity. The brig-
ade were very fond of company E and could not bear to see
them go hungry if rations could be had oven from other com-
mands. If s<>me of the other companies should lose some of
i
.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
547
1
1
their provisions, some one of the boys were ready to inform
the loser that some one of the 7th, 39th or 57th had taken it,
and if they would hurry thev might secure it: they had seen
them take it and run. As a matter of fact these boys knew
how to get there.
Our first recollection of John was at St. Joseph ; here he
was punished for not observing the proper guard rules — that is
not being ready to fall in when called upon, and was punished
by having his knapsack loaded with bricks and compelled to
stand on a barrel. Then the trio were engaged under Corporal
A. B, Straub drilling in squad drill for punishment, but they
being rebelious Cant. Hanna relieved him for a while. He soon
got tired of that and set them to chopping wood. It became
evident that this would soon bankrupt the Government to fur-
nish axhandles, as they chopped them off and broke them up
as fast as furnished. Then they were put to gathering up small
stones. By this time Capt. Hanna and the Irish Brigade had
became acquainted and no more trouble was experienced by
h i m .
Of John Feehen it is related that one dav at Corinth he
ml
was on provost guard, and with some others secured some whis-
key from a corporal of the Fiftieth. His post that night was
at Colonel Chetlain's headquarters, and being pretty full he got
the ax and raised Ned with the negro servants. Morning came
and -he was arrested, brought before the Provost Marshal and
asked where he got his whiskey; ''from one of the 12th," he re-
plied promptly. This being the regiment to which Colonel
Chetlain belonged he would not believe it, and told him he
must bring the man who provided the whiskey that night, or
go to Alton prison. He was then placed in the dungeon and
kept four hours, after which an orderly was sent to him to learn
who it was. John directed him to return to the Colonel and
tell him in emphatic language, "lie would serve his time out in
the dungeon before he would give him away/* Major Hanna
secured his liberation, however, and John was happy.
October 4. '62 found the Irish Brigade in line, and as it
was forced back they were the last to leave the log-. Winn and
548
HISTORY OF THE
Gleason were in advance and John called out, "wait, wait, wait
for me." "Hell," said Gleason, "this is no place tD wait," and
on they went.
Of Peter Winn it may
be said that the inci-
dents participated in by
one was as a general
thing enjoyed by all. On
the 15th day of March,
1891, death ante-red this
charmed circle, and the
trio, cemented by years
vl of service for country,
\|\vas broken bv the inns-
Jlter-out of Winn, and he
Jar was tenderly laid to rest
■jf by his old comrade John
dl
A " I ":\
X
";v -- -
\
,-. , ■'■-■;■■■
■
■- ■ - '
■ -i
\
_ fe -
v.. -.I'-
ll
W
AS
V
Hi
(A i
wsjiafc*
ed ' as "stoten-bottles."
and remained constant friends until death separated them.
The boys will remember Peter calling to Tom, Moore,
who was always shouting something, to "close up! close up!"
Morris Gleason was called "Paddy." At Shiloh he was
wounded by a buck-shot above the right knee, also on the left
shoulder by a limb of tree cut of! by a cannon ball. He re-en-
listed at Lynnville, was promoted to Corporal and served to the
end, Morris was one of the short ones who in wading Lynch
creek could barely keep his head out of water in the deepest
place, stepped off the road-bed and was pulled out by a com-
rade. After the war he went to Texas and now lives at San
Antonio.
J. 13. Morrison, who was he? Whv "That gosh-darned
Four." Then there is Thos. \V. Moore, better known as "Mat-
tocks." Pie lived at Ooltimbtis and enlisted in October 61; re-
enlisted at Lynnville, served Ins term with the boys, and came
<
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
549
home. Born a republican he remains so to-day, and is now
living at St. Joseph, Mo.
Mordecai F. Riley was known as the "Mortal Bull." Geo.
Smart, called "Trift," and Dan, his brother, "Old Head." Ar-
den Sanders answered to the name of "Dirt Heels," and John
Sims of Baylis. "Old Domas." C. W.TWden, our "Little Tom
Tit.7' was the smallest and youngest in company E. Tough as
the toughest, he served through to the end. It was always
amusing to hear little "Torn Tit" singing lustily —
"There was a man and that was rae,
That marched with Sherman to the sea."
Corporal Wm. D. Turner was a Pike county boy 18 years
of age, raised on a farm, enlisted with j^/WPk
the first of the boys, August 18, 1861;
wounded severely at Shiloh ; he re-en-
listed, was sent on detached service and
was mustered out as a Corporal. Grad- ,■-. • '\ ; ■■"■V;'
uated as a physician, practiced medi- '/% /• ^IKK.
id
»
cine and lived for many years at Car
roll ton. Green county, Illinois, and now ^SiSI(& Ifti5v\ ^?iiSl^
' - - ••u^!':;.'/'(i!:\\^;i:'!| mil \\ \ \l'-'- "
resides at Passadena, California. ""*' ^pS[ \\ V*
Richard U. White was born in william d. turner.
Limestone county, Alabama, February 17, 1838. Enlisted Feb.
10, 1862, from Coatsburg, Illinois and was discharged at Golds-
borough, N. C\, March 25, 1S65, cause expiration of term of
service.
Richard A. Wallace, or better known as "Coin," enlist-
ted at Camp Point Feb. 26, '04, and was mustered out with the
company. He has for many years been interested in banking,
and is now living in California, and as his name indicates, is
an important factor.
Pat. Kerwin, who has forgotten him. What wonderful
big loads of blankets he used to "tote." picking them up when
thrown away by the tired hoys in front. Pat., was a dutiful
soldier, trusty as could be. no one fooled with him while on
duty, Pat. detested mules, and when the company was mount-
ed upon them it was difficult to teach him to ride. "Prepare to
i
i
550 HISTORY OF THE
shouted "halt! halt! serrinder!" I said to them "I'll niver
serriadex," and then there were two bullets met over me head
and held a consultation wether they would kill me or not, and
bedad J slipped away and here I am."
Nathan P. Willis enlisted Sept. 24, '01, from Columbus,
aged 20 years, served with the regiment until in 18G4, when he
re-enlisted and on June 9, '04 was transferred to the U. S. Sig-
nal Corps, then at Acworth, Ga. _ This part of the Signal Corps
was afterwards mounted and served as scouts on Sherman's
march to the sea and up through the Carolinas. Feb. 5th, '65,
with the advance out reeonnoitering. eight of them ran upon a
mount; mount;" and Pat. would climb into the saddle facing
to the rear.
At Calhoun's Ferry, May 10, '64, several' amusing inci-
dents occurred that will be remembered, as related by one of
the boys, a recruit. He writes:
"I shall never forget how the Fiftieth looked as we took
our place in line to await the charge that seemed to me would
surely come. The battery on our right was driven back and
one or two guns dismounted. The shot and shell flying around.
Our gallant Colonel and the Acting Sergeant Major walked
along the line and in low tones gave orders to the boys to "keep
cool," "lay low" "don't fire until the order is given, then aim
low." Next to me was Frank Bryant on the skirmish line.
Walking up to a stump he dropped on his knee, laid his gun
across the stump just as coolly as if sighting a rabbit. That
braced me up to see him so cool, for he was but a boy in years,
but a man then, and a man of nerve.
"Then Nate Crystal, Joe Warner, James Simmons, better
known as "Persimmons," and Cal. Covert went a little too far
down the creek and met the enemy double quicking up the
stream. It struck them by surprise, but I never saw boys do
better to save themselves than they did. Persimmons said
later that his back felt as broad as a load of hay and that every
bullet would surely hit it. To Pat. I said "I thought you were
killed." "No," said he, "I was down to the edge of the woods
'and the ribs, came close to me before I saw them, and they
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 551
company of Wheeler's cavalry, sixty strong, in the Salkahatchie
Swamp, here he received a shot in the left leg below the knee,
to rave his life amputation was found necessary; he was dis-
charged in September 1865, and returned home in October; en-
tered the mercantile business in Columbus and died August G,
1870.
-o-
■«
COMPANY F
1 I /AS organized from two localities in Hancock county, the
\f y first being raised in Warsaw by Dr. Cooldridge. Not
having secured enough men to fill out the company a
number fr6m Dallas City, with William Snyder as their com-
manner, consolidated with the Warsaw contingent and filled
nut the complement. It was expected that Dr. Cooldridge
would be the Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment but before the
arrangements were perfected he was appointed Examining Sur-
geon at Qnincy, and Wm. Snyder was commissioned Captain;
E Charles May, from Warsaw, 1st Lieutenant and Charles Harris,
of Dallas City, 2nd Lieutenant, William Weakley was appoin-
ted Is; Sergeant and the others as shown in the roster.
Charley Early, one of Ellsworth's old company, coming
in about this time was appointed 2nd Corporal, but being very
proficient in drill, changes were soon made and the roster of
non-commissioned officers was as follows: Charles Early, 1st
Seigt? Charles Weakly, 2nd; I). J. Bliss, 3rd ; Charles IX Fee,
4th and Albert Martin, 5th. John W. Alexander being the
tallest man in the company, became 1st Corporal. So many
changes occur in a military organization from different causes,
that it is difficult to record all as they transpired, but the fol-
lowing are those who at one time served in the capacity of Cor-
porals in company F : S. W. Blystone, 0. G. Rauck, Thomas
Stewart, Andrew Klerg, Henry Kendrick, William Ritchie, Ben-
jamin Lambertson, Christopher C. Krabiel and Thomas Thomp-
son-, Henry Seeloy was bass drummer and Edward Rilev tenor.
002 * HISTORY OF THE
Riley was transferred to company C, and both re-enlisted as
veterans and served to the end,
Benjamin Krabiel became fifer. Charlie May was in
command of the company as Captain and wore Captain's straps
from Fort Donelson, but on the morning of April 6, '62, Capt,
Snyder returned and took command, and a short time after,
April 27, Charlie resigned, went home and soon after died of
consumption,
Charles Harris became 1st Lieutenant and Charles Early
2nd. Harris resigned June 20, '62, and was succeeded by Early
who resigned Nov. 15, '62. Charles D, Fee was promoted to ,2d
Lieutenant June 20, ^Cy}, and November 15, '62, to 1st Lieuten-
ant and William Weakly 2nd Lieutenant. Then on the 19th
of January '68, Cap.t. Snyder resigned and Fee was promoted to
Captain, Sergeant Simeon W. Blystone to 1st Lieutenant and
Weakly resigned. By this time the casualties of war had re-
duced the company in numbers as to render it not entitled to a
full complement of commissioned officers. This was somewhat
remedied by recruiting in the winter of 1864, but no further
promotions were made.
Arriving in Rome the company was detached to repair
the pontoon bridges and keep them in order, occasionally going
out on scouts or reconnaisance, and by the 13th of September
quite a number of the bovs were mustered out. Lieut. Blystone
was detailed as Acting Adjutant. Capt. Fee discharged Sept.
15; Sergeant Martin on detached duty as wagon master, Bliss
at provost headquarters and Jot;1 Morgan home on veteran fur-
lough, so that on the march to the sea the company was com-
manded by its non-commissioned officers and served as guard
to the trains on several occasions.
At Morrisville, N. C, April 6, '65, Special Order Xo. 20,
Extract 2, assigned Lieut. Levi Wright of company A to com-
.mand, continuing so until arrival at Louisville, Ky. Mere Ser-
geant A. L. Martin was commissioned Captain, Joe Morgan who
had returned at Goldsborough, 1st Lieutenant, Thos. S. Stewart
2nd Lieutenant and 0. G. Rauck 1st Sergeant, and so mustered
out.
h
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 553
(35)
Of the original enlistment who veteraned there were
twelve, of these Henry Hockenmock had been discharged for
<i inability, William Ritchie was killed at Allatoona and ten
mustered out with the company. Of the recruits, twenty-seven
in number, Raymond Cherpitel, Andrew Kiev, Benjamin Kra-
hiel, C. C. Krabiel, Joseph T. Lynn, John M. Morgan, Joseph
Thompson and Wm. Thomas, were the only ones to be mustered
out. In addition were some 60 substitutes and drafted men,
some of whom failed to report to the company; also three un-
der cooks of A. D. The number of enlisted men borne on the
rolls from first to last was 15S ; which with three commissioned
officers made up a total of 101. Of the officers that we new r
have a record Captain W. B. Snyder resides at Volga, S. 1).
First Lieutenant Joseph M. Morgan was /r^':r^fs)>^ ■
19 years of age and resided at Warsaw, 111. \ . ^ §w
when he enlisted 18th of August J61. In I)e- % § «& ** . W
comber 1868, was promoted Sergeant and % %* ¥j^
was one of the first 20 non-commissioned ./•■,i^^7
officers that re-enlisted at Lvnnville, Tenn., ,,'.V '*«*,£ '^
under the provisions of Order 191, series '(!>%, <^;J0^^^0?$!^h
War Department. In company with Corporal " ' ^^K^^^/!^
Andrew Kiev of company F, he was sent to ' J^K "y/
Illinois under Lieut. Col. Gaines to recruit lt. j. m. "morgan.
and was very successful, as may be learned from the roster of
the company. He received his veteran furlough after the re-
turn of the regiment from veteran furlough, and failed to rejoin
the regiment before leaving Rome, so that he had to take the
trip around by Xewberne and was placed in the provisional
army and in command of a detachment, taking part in the
battle of Kinston, in the *23rd A. C, under Gen. Cox. Was
wounded at Fort Donelson in the right elbow. At Louisville,
Ky.3 was promoted 1st Lieutenant and is now a magistrate at
Kahoka, Mo.
j
Sergeant Darius J. Bliss was 23 years of age when he
enlisted in August 1861. Was promoted at the organization
from private to 3rd Sergeant, and then 1st Sergeant, and hay-
554
HISTORY OF THE
ing served his term of three years was discharged at Rome, Ga.,
in October 1864.
Lewis R. Collins was 19 years of age, single, and by occu-
pation a clerk; resided at Keokuk, Iowa, and enlisted at Dallas
City, Illinois, Aug. 17, 1861, as a private; was wounded at Cor-
inth, Miss., Oct. 4, '62; re-enlisted with the company at Lynn-
ville, Tenn., and was again wounded at Allatoona, Ga\, Oct. 5
'64. At the close of the service was detailed to remain at
Springfield to attend the muster-out and pay of the members
then absent from the regiment on furlough and from other
cause, and was discharged at Springfield, 24th of July, 1SG5.
He will be remembered as a successful forager, and also as mas-
querading in the uniform of a rebel major at Rome, Ga. Was
the first President of the present Regimental Re-union Associa-
tion held at Bushnell in October 1S8G.
Charles P. Crites enlisted as a substitute October 18th,
1864, at the age of 17. His company being on the march to the
sea he was cut off from it and on arriving at Nashville was put
in a provisional command and participated in the battle of
Nashville and pursuit of Hood. Returning was sent by the way
of Philadelphia and the sea to his regiment, and joined it at
Washington and remained with it until mustered out.
James B. Fordvce was 17 veart of a^e when be enlisted
and served in company F from the 18th day of August '61, to
the 8rd day of June 1S02, when he was discharged for disability.
Nov. 17th, 1868, ne re-enlisted in company M 17th 111. cavalry,
and served to the end of the war, or Nov. 23, 1S65.
A. B. Hinekly enlisted at 20 years of age. Was promo-
ted to Corporal and for a long time had charge of the ambu-
lance trains of the 3rd brigade, 2nd division,, 10th A. C. He
now lives at Galena, Kansas.
Nelson Harris, a quiet boy was 18 years of age. Both of
these soldiers were discharged Sept. 27th/ at Rome, having ser-
ved out their term of enlistment. The latter resides at Burr
Oak, Iowa.
At Shiloh Henry Hockenmock was struck on the head by
a missile, cutting away a part of his ear. Spinning around
,
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. DOO
several times he loudly exclaimed, "Mine Got. der dpp of mine
head ish blown oft." Nor did he stop until being assured by
Lieutenant May that he was not badly hurt, he gathered him-
self together and continued in the fray. He was a good soldier
and will be remembered by all.
Fred. Mensendike was among the first to enlist from
.Warsaw, He w&s on picket that stormy night at Donelson
and found himself frozen to a tree against which he was lean-
ing. He was a valiant and trusty soldier, and now lives at
Camp Point. His brother Henry enlisted at the same time and
was discharged at Rome, Sept. 27, 1804, by reason of expiration
of term of service. He resides at Sutter, 111.
Benjamin F. Krabiel. now of Kansas City, Mo., was 20
years of age and a cooper by occupation when he enlisted, on
the 2nd day of February 1864, and was discharged with the
regiment July 18, 1865, as a musician. This was his second en-
listment, first serving as bugler in company D, 7th Missouri
cavalry, from the 14th day of October 1801. Had two brothers
in the Fiftieth regiment, one Isaac C, in company A, the other
C. C, in company F%.
Christopher C. Krabiel was past 18 when he enlisted on
the 10th day of February 1804, June 19th was promoted to
Corporal, and later detailed as a color guard — see flag chapter.
Ma wiil be remembered for his promptness and- general neat-
ness, and especially for his exceptionally clean gun, in which
he took great pride. This gun was frequently borrowed by the
hoys m order to appear well at guard mounting, with the ex-
pectation that the holder of it would be excused from duty.
The Sergeant Major, whose duty it was to inspect the
guards, soon came to a full knowledge of the scheme and it
Jailed to carry favor in that direction, except when in the own-
ers hands. This comrade suffered from ill health, caused from
exposure, and died April 22, 1898, at his home in WinterseSt,
Iowa, from heart and lung trouble. He was drawing a pension
'••r disability. Five months after his death the authorities at
Washington notified him — the notice being received by his wife
-—that his pension would cease, us the disability for which he
550
HISTORY OF THE
was pensioned had ceased to exist in a pensionable degree.
Think for a moment, reader, what a thrust this must be to his
wife and family who had cared for him so many years — while
the best years of his life were laid upon his country's altar.
William Thomas, or "Billy the Kid,"
was born October 22, 1850, near Quincy,
111. After several trials he succeeded in
entering the service in company F, Feb.
5, 1864, and is, as far as we know, the
youngest soldier of the regiment, one of
Joe. Morgan's recruits. The circumstan-
ces of his zeal in the cause is worth relat-
ing. Having enlisted he was found to be
too young, and was rejected ; nothing
daunted he tried again.; with like results.
1 1 i
%
3
* ■ 'm =Jk :-'i
^ gg »«; g*!=35gr5<
The third time Joe. got him — coming down
from Warsaw, where he had enlisted, it was
found that there might be some difficulty
in his passing muster, so a Mr. Holmes,
merchant of Warsaw, was found, who con-
sented to act as guardian, this provision
having been made the guardian's consent
was obtained and Billy became a soldier.
He was then sent to Camp Butler, thence
to St, Louis, Mo., New Orleans, La., Vicks-
burg, Miss., Quincy, 111., thence to Mem-
phis, "Term., Cairo, 111., Helena, Ark., Cairo
Clarksville, Ft. Donelson, Nashville, Chattanooga, Tenn., Kings-
ton, Ga., and arrived at Rome, Ga., in May, 1804, and was mus-
tered out with the company in July 18G5. While Billy is con-
sidered the youngest, Joseph E. Harding is possibly the small-
est. Enlisted August 18,1801, weighing 95 pounds, aged 22 ;
discharged April G, 18G2, for disability. Resides at Check, Ky.,
in poor health, weighing 92 pounds.
Petri? C. Walker of Carmen, then a young man of 22, en-
listed on the 28th of October 1801, as one of the first recruits,
and was mustered out at Rome, Ga., Oct. 31, 1804.
WM. THOMAS.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
557
COMPANY G
\ X /AS organized in Quincy by George W.Brown, its members
Vy being recruited from Hancock, McDonough and Fulton
counties, although quite a number were from adjoining
counties. It was mustered into the service as part of the Adams
county regiment, Sept. 12, '61, with George W. Brown, Captain ;
Solah W. King, 1st Lieutenant and Edward P. Barrett, 2nd Lieu-
tenant, the non-commissioned officers as shown in the roster.
While the company was being organized it was under-
stood that arrangements had been made with Captain Brown,
that for his assistance in recruiting for and organizing the regi-
ment he would be tendered the position of Major. With this
assurance and expectation he soon succeeded in organizing the
company, and by the 20th of August it was located at Camp
Wood and known as company G.
Captain Brown then went to Ripley, in Brown county,
and induced Captain Samuel R. Glenn, then organizing a com-
pany, to unite with the Ada ins county regiment. The move-
ment was successful. The Captain tendered his company to
Dr. M. M. Bane, it and company I, arriving in camp Sept. 30.
At the election of officers for the regiment George W. Randall,
who expected to be 1st Lieutenant of company E, succeeded in
getting the position of Major, and Dec. 12 Captain Brown re-
igned, and entered the 20th Missouri vols., as 1st Lieutenant
and Adjutant; he was succeeded by 1st Lieutenant S. W. King,
and he in turn by Lieut. E. P. Barrett, and he by 1st Sergeant
Lewis Zolman.
The company served with the regiment in all its battles
and marches, and was composed of as good a body of men as
could be found. It was always considered that when company
G was sent to take anything they would get it. This title to a
record was early conceded to them and to illustrate it the fol-
lowing incident is related as having occurred at Shiloh on the
2: id day of the battle:
It seems that some regiment had been ordered to take a
battery, which they failed to <'<>• The commanding officer re-
i
55S HISTORY OF THE
ported the fact to General Grant, stating that he could not
take it with his command. The General seemed., surprised and
said to the officer that "he could bring up company G of the
Fiftieth Illinois and thev would take it without losing a man."
As a company it was nearlv full in numbers; was on de-
tached service near Btirnsville, Miss., guarding R. R. in 1862, a
short time, and during the Georgia and Carolina campaigns fre-
quently detailed as train guards.
Of the members of company G, Capt. King having resign-
ed at the expiration of his three years term, was afterwards ap-
pointed as Military State Agent, with rank of Colonel, and as-
signed to duty in Xew Orleans, La., resigning July 20, '65.
Captain Jacob Fleming having been promoted from Ser-
geant to 1st Lieutenant and July 10. '05, to Captain was mus-
\ tered out as 1st Lieutenant and now resides at Eureka, 111.
Quartermaster Mervin B. Converse was 1st Sergeant, then
1st lieutenant, Adjutant, Quartermaster, and July 1, 'do, com-
missioned Lieutenant Colonel but not mustered. Lie has since
\ the war occupied a prominent position as clerk in the Adju-
tant General's office and of the United States Court at Spring-
field, III.
Second Lieutenant James P. Strode was 3rd Sergeant,
promoted to 1st, Sergeant and 2nd Lieutenant, served his term
of enlistment and returned home. He is now a prominent
physician of Table Grove, III.
Albert S. Wright, a Sergeant, having received a commis-
sion as 2nd Lieutenant, was killed at Allatoona before he was
■
mustered and his commission cancelled.
Jesse B. Strode, a Sergeant, also received a commission
but was unable to be mustered. Lie follows the legal profession
and is at present a District Judge at Lincoln, Neb.
William Bogue, a farmer boy 18 years of age and resid-
at Vermont, enlisted as a recruit by James W. DeYaney, in
company G, Feb. 13, 1864. He was one of the boys who had
heard of the "lots of fun" to be derived from being mounted,
and he desired to be a dragoon. Soon after the regiment reach-
ed Lvnnville in '64 he secured a steed, and one dav William was
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 550
s'M'ii ooming flying down street on an immense mule. The noise
of his coming brought every one in sight to the road-side, and
among them was Lieut. Col. Gaines, who had issued the order
against fast riding (see page 288). He immediately shouted
"Halt! halt! Stop that mule! By Joe Betsey, halt!" But
Bill's blood was up and so was the mule's; more so because of
the exhilarating effect of a spur in each flank. On he went
past Major Ilanna, who commanded him to halt, which was
done as soon as he could get Jim, the mule, to understand. He
was asked by Major Hanna where he was going and directed to
dismount and report to headquarters. The return was slowly
made for William knew of trouble ahead. Approaching the
Colonel he saluted and asked what ho wanted, and replying
said "I couldn't for the life of me help it, Colonel, that divel of
a mule sat his tath on the bits and all the saints couldn't have
I
stopped him." ''Take your mule and go to your quarters, sir,"
was the reply, and light hearted, Billy was oil. He served with
the company and was mustered out a Corporal in July '65.
Among the members of company G were the four Bab-
bitts. Israel, a Corporal, died at Paducah, in '62, one of them,
James, was promoted Corporal, was shot in the face at the frolic
of the lGth of May, 1SG4; one was promoted Sergeant and dis-
charged for disability, while John J. was also promoted Corporal
and color guard, all had left the service at expiration of their
term, of enlistment.
William S, Crell was a substitute, only a boy however.
He enlisted November 20, 18(34, and was mustered out with the
boys at the end.
James W. DeVanev was from Bernadotte; at or^aniza-
tion of company was made 3rd Sergeant; re-enlisted, was de-
tailed with Col. Gaines to go on recruiting service as one of the
twenty non-commissioned officers. Promoted 1st Sergeant and
upon return to regiment in May, '64, promoted to Sergeant
Major. Then received orders to recruit for the 1st Alabama In-
fantry and no further report being received from him upon the
arrival of the regiment at Alexandria, he was reduced to ranks
and assigned to company G, and mustered out as commissioned
in 1st Alabama Infantry,
560 HISTORY OF THE
Will. Henry Evans of Bushnell, was one of the first to
enlist. He is now 53 years of age. Had the measles in St. Joe.
He veteraned, of course, and went through with the boys. Since
the war has suffered from the effects of the service from heart
and lung trouble. Resides now at Row Landing, La.
Martin and George Fate of Bernadotte, were early boys,
served their term and now reside at Smithfield, 111.
David B. Gregory, now getting on in years, enlisted in
1865. He is a prosperous farmer and lives at Bardolph.
John A. Hoopes, whoso cut is shown in the flag chapter,
resided at Vermont, Illinois. Was born on the 20th of Decem-
ber 1849, enlisted in company 0 January 26, 1804, a few days
over 14 Tears of age. therefore is one of the youngest soldiers of
the war. tYas with Sherman to the sea ; wounded at Lvnch
Creek by a gun shot wound side of the head ; marched in the
Grand Review and was discharged with the regiment at muster-
out. Not satisfied with civil life he enlisted on the 26 of Sep-
tember 1867. in battery B, -1th LT. S. artillery, to serve three
years, and was discharged at Fort Riley as a Sorgeant, Sept. 20,
1S70. Is now a flourishing miller at Ipava, 111.
Bruce Knox enlisted October 1, 1861. A good, stout,
healthy boy of 16. Caught the measles in 1861, resulting in
defective ej-e-sight. He was mustered out. at Rome; Ga., on the
28th of September 1864. Since then has lost his sight from the
above cause. His brother, Wallace, enlisted at the same time,
veterancd in 1864, and was mustered out July 13, 1865, as a
Sergeant.
Thomas H. Leslie enlisted September 10, 1861; was dis-
charged to accept promotion as Hospital Steward, U. S. A. and
is mentioned on page 460. He is now a prominent business
man of Stuttgart, Ark.
Denning R. Moon was" also one of the first that enlisted ;
also Winchester W. McMenimie, who was mustered out Sept.
27, as a Sergeant.
John W. Rankins served as Corporal and was mustered
out Sept, 27. 1864; resides at Jetuiore Kansas. Anson L. Wil-
§
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
561
liams, also one of the "Stotes77 mustered out Sept. 27th, 1864;
lives at Peoria, Iowa.
Now old Tommy Wilkinson must not be forgotten. The
Surgeon must have discovered his peculiarities for the benefit
of the sick, for Special Order No. 20, Corinth, Miss., June loth,
1863, extract IIII, reads : "Thomas Wilkinson, private compa-
ny G, 50th Illinois Infantry, is hereby detailed as nurse in hos-
pital, and will report to Surgeon Kendall for duty immediate-
ly." This looks very well on paper, but the facts are, he was
detailed as washer-woman ; was a jovial old fellow and a source
of fun to all the kids, many of whom will remember his quaint
and funny sayings; and doubtless many of the boys owe their
recovery from homesickness to his lively associations.
I
•o-
I
1
i
I
1
COMPANY II
AS organized at Mt. Sterling, Rushville and Ripley, in
Brown county, with a few] from Schuyler. Its first
officers, Samuel R. Glenn, Captain ; William S. Ishmel,
1st Lieutenant; John S. Cooper, 2nd Lieutenant and non-com-
missioned officers as noted in the roster. Of the commissioned
officers Captain Glenn was promoted Major vice Randall. Lieu-
tenant Ishmel resigned and was succeeded by Lieut. Cooper.
This company while organizing, was induced by Capt.
Brown of company G, to unite with the Fiftieth and by this
means assisted in filling up the ranks of the regiment. It served
continuously with the regiment.
The incidents and adventures of this company are, as
with others, much varied, but such as might fall to the lot of
any.
It was on account of a one-eyed Corporal and several
others defective in eye sight, who were members of this compa-
ny, that the name by which the regiment was made famous, of
the "Blind Half Hundred," was obtained ; an appellation of
which every member has felt proud.
j
!
\
1
562 HISTORY OF THE
An officer of the company writes as follows;
"Company H was gifted as a whole with brave, kind and
genial officers, although some of them were not as proficient
~ in military tactics as others. The writer calls to mind an amus-
ing incident illustrative of this fact, that occurred in camp in
the vicinity of Corinth, in the summer of 1863, as follows : All
the comrades of company H will remember Lieut. Fielding F.
Glenn, brave as the bravest, and withal a jovial and kind heart-
ed man. One day while on regimental drill with Major Hanna
commanding the regiment and Lieut. Glenn in command of the
company, Major Hanna gave a command, which I do not exact-
ly remember, bufewe were inarching in two ranks, right in front.
and at a given point it was necessary for company H to "file
left." We neared the point but Lieut. Glenn could not think
of the right command. Major Hanna was a short distance
away watching the movements of the various companies, and
taking m the situation veiled out; "Lieutenant what are vou
doing? Bring your men into position." The Lieutenant knew
what should be done, but his memory still failed him; finally
in his desperation lie waved his sword above his head and shout-
ed; "Whoa haw, come around." That settled it. The boys
"come around" and soon occupied their proper position. The
command should have been, "Company, file left, march."
Through march, bivouac, and battle company H ful-
- filled its part well, and when at Lynnville, Term., mounted and
scouting under command of the gallant Lieutenant McNeil they
were in their glory.
A miraculous escape from instant death to many of the
company, will always be remembered, it occured as follows:
On the 10th of May 1864, at the south end of Snake
Creek Gap, the regiment had been sent out to support company
B on the skirmish line at the cross roads. The rain was falling
in torrents, accompanied by heavy wind, lightning and thunder.
The different companies were in bivouac on the right of t In-
road going,south, company H's position being by the side of a
new house, yet unfinished, in which regimental headquarters
were established. About 10 o'clock that evening peremptory
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
563
orders were received to move inside the works at once, as the
enemy were advancing up the road. As company H moved
from the place it had bivouacked an immense tree fell crashing
down along the place just vacated. One moment of time- and
many of the boys would have been crushed.
Our record of this company's officers is very meagre.
Captain S. R. Glenn having been promoted to Major was suc-
ceeded by Captain Murphy, who resigned. He was succeeded
^ by Captain Walter S. Wait,
who also was mustered out
at the expiration of his three
vears service.
mi
Lieut. Isaac McNeil having
been wounded at Allatoona
took him away from the com-
pany, leaving it without com-
missioned officers during the
march to the sea, and under
the command of its Orderly
Sergeant, J. B. Hawkes, and
other Serg'ts acting as Lieu-
u ten ants, it went through to
Bentonville. Here Sergeant
Hawkes gave up his life after
the company had passed through a brilliant, day's service. At
Goldsborough, X. C, Aprils, 1805, under special orders. Win. B.
Fisher of company E, was assigned to command, being relieved
at Louisville, Ky., by Captain McNeil, who had been commis-
sioned June 14, mustered June 15 and re-joined the company
there.
Notwithstanding the disadvantages under which company
H existed as to commanders, in regard to drill and discipline,
it was not deficient in well drilled and model soldiers. In Spe-
cial Orders No. \2. Alfred Burnett, in No. 22, Francis Dixon,
William Bailey, James Moody and Henry , in No. 82,
Joshua CoiTman and James Moody are excused from duty for
soldierly appearance and fine conditionof arms and accoutre-
ments.
km
■v. / -y > '
CAPT. WALTER S. WAIT.
"
564
HISTORY OF THE
•v /
m:
At Louisville in 18G5, July 14, Sergeant Perry Logsdon
was commissioned 1st Lieutenant, vice McNeil, promoted to
Captain.
First Lieut. Perry Logs-
don was born July 18, 1842,
in Madison co., Ky. ; moved
to Brown co., 111., in '44 with
his parents. Enlisted from
Cooperstown Dec. 1, 1861, as
a private, was 18 years of age
and a farmer. At Shiloh was
sick with typhoid fever and
in the hospital awaiting with
anxiety the approach of the
victorious rebels — could see
the last line of our troops in
the distance, stubbornlv hold-
ing the ground, and hear the
bullets flying around. Re-
enlisted in 1804, served with the company, and promoted to
Sergeant and then to 1st Lieutenant, and so mustered out.
Since the war has become a prosperous and enterprising farmer
and represented his county, Schuyler, several times in the State
Legislature, and is now a member of the Board of Commis-
.sioners of a drainage district, also a member Col. Harney Post
181, at Rushville, 111., where he resides.
James T. Atchison was born in Mt. Sterling, 111., May 27,
1845, mustered into the service as fifer in company H, Sept. 30,
1861, at this time a little more than 16 years of age. Not be-
bV I
k
% <m
'/s
^y
LIEUT. PERRY LOGSDOX.
ing satisfied as a musician, after a few months he substituted a
musket, which he carried till the end of the war. Was promo-
ted to Corporal, then to Sergeant, and commissioned 2nd Lieu-
tenant at Louisville, Ky. Participated in all the battles of the
regiment except Bentonvillo. At Lynnville, Tenn., when re-
cruits for re-enlistment were called for, he and AVm. Queen,
(now living at Mt. Sterling.) were the first men of the company
to tender their names for re--enlistment. The day following,
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 505
Christmas 'Go, was detailed with 20 others of the regiment, to
go h'bme on recruiting service, and mustered as a veteran Dec.
30, '08. Returned with the regiment Feb. 26, 04, and mustered
out at Louisville, Ky., July 18, '65.
On returning home learned the printers' trade, which he
has followed since, and is now business manager of the mechan-
ical department of the Jersey County Democrat, and resides at
Jersevville, 111. Has been prominently connected with the G.
A. R. for years, having served as A. D. C. on the staff of com-
mander-in-chief Veasey, twice served as Ass't Inspector of his
district, and once as a member of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Or-
phan Homo committee. Would be glad to correspond with his
old comrades.
J. P. Ammonette was a boy of IS when he enlisted, Sept.
1, 186.1, and so badly cut up at Shiloh that he was discharged
at Quincy Sept. 4, 1802,
John Abbott was wounded also at the same time, while
William Albert, a recruit of Dec. 1, '61, re-enlisted and was
mustered out with the company as a veteran.
Matthew Bates was buried at Athens, Ala., and Andrew
J. Bower went through.
Chas. F. Howser was a boy of 19 from Ripley, and enlist-
ed Jan. 22, 1S04. He now lives at LaCygne, Kansas.
Plumer Long enlisted in Sept. 61. Veteraned and was
mustered out as a Sergeant July 13, '65.
Chauncy F. Maxrietta was one of the first to enlist and
was discharged Sept. 29, '04.
Joseph F. Marrietta was a recruit of Aug. 28, '02, and left
us June 2, 1805.
Chas. W. McCluro and Washington McConnell, also re- |«
emits of Dec. 1, ^(jl, the first was mustered out June 22. '05, the
latter veteraned and was discharged with the company. He
was wounded in the leg at Bentonville and rose to the rank of
Corporal.
Return R. Randall, one of the first enlistment, was dis-
charged Oct. 8, 1862, on account of wounds.
George W. Roberts enlisted among the first, became a
500 HISTORY OF THE
veteran, went through safely and now resides at Naples, 111. It
was thought while at Clarksville that he had the small pox.
causing considerable consternation among the Surgeons, and at
once causing extra sanitary measures to be taken.
Creed S. Taylor is not forgotten. He was a '04 recruit,
mustered out with the boys and now lives at Lucas, Kansas.
These seven comrades came from Ripley, a town famous
for its pottery manufactories.
Jas. A, Wilmot, also a recruit of '04, now resides at Hil-
dreth, Neb. He was from Woodstock, McIIenry co., 111.
U
COMPANY I.
NDER the call of President Lincoln for 500,000 men for
three years, or during the war, Joseph D. Wolf, then a
prominent lawyer of Monmouth, Warren county, 111., re-
ceived authority to organize a company, and during the latter
part of August and early days of September, 1801, recruited
some seventy men, all, with but one or two exceptions, residents
of Warren county, and nearly every one of whom were young
boys from the farm.
The first real movement in the way of recruiting was at
Spring Grove, seven miles north of Monmouth. Meetings were
held in the U. P. Church addressed by J. I). Wolf and J. D. Cor-
win of Monmouth. These meetings were continued for some
time, and a good number of the boys enrolled from the north
part of the county. The rendezvous of the company was at
Monmouth, They were sworn into service on September 16th,
1861, and soon after were ordered to Quincy.
This company being the ninth to report was given the
ninth place on the regimental roll, company I,
Of our company commanders Captains Wolf and Dunlap
did not remain with us long. The first was mustered out May
1802, and the last resigned to join another command, in No-
vember 1802.
\
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
507
Capt. Francis J. Dunn, our next commander was teaching
ing school at the time he enlisted, and was, then in his 24th
year .ind single. The school was located among a nest of Cop-
perheads, and excitement ran high. Often these Copperheads
would turn out and cheer for
Jeff. Davis as the teacher was
on his way to and from school.
Forbearance ceased to be a
virtue and throwing up his
school he enlisted as a pri-
vate, but on the election of
officers he was made 2nd Ser-
geant and, step by step, was
promoted until on February ^
28th, 1863, he was commis- j|
sioned Captain. This posi-f
. 'lo-
tion he held until mustered '''
out, Oct. 24th, 1804, having
served over three years. In
a recent letter the Captain
says : ' "It has not been my
privilege to see the old flag captain f. j. dunn.
since I left the service, but I possess a highly prized memento
of it; the bronze spear was shot off the stall', broken at its
shank, at the battle of Allatoona ; it fell at my feet, but was
not to be left on rebel soil. It can be seen by the boys lying on
my parlor table." The Captain now lives at Minden, Nob.
Our next and last Captain was John T. Cuzzins, who en-
listed and served several years as private, then promoted to
Sergeant, Lieutenant and was in command of the company after
the resignation of Capt. Dunn, and was mustered out with the
company as Captain.
Of our 1st Lieutenants little is known. Elliott resigned
in 1SG2; Kitchsn resigned July, 1804; much of the time of his
service he was on detached duty. He is dead.
John S. Winbigler will be remembered by all, for he was
always with the company. Enlisting among the first as a pri-
nfit ■ ■','//■■ 4
A
508 HISTORY OP THE
I
vate was promoted from time to time until ho was mustered
out with the company as 1st Lieutenant. He live3 at Gerlaw,
Warren county, 111.
Among our 2nd Lieutenants we note Jonas D. Corwin,
who was killed at Corinth, in October, '02. Llis name finds a
place in the great roll of honor of the nation. Philip S. Doug-
lass enlisted as a private and on Feb. 28, '03, was commissi one*!
as 2nd Lieutenant and remained with the company until Oct.
28, '64, when he resigned, having served over three years.
Win, Brownlee, or "Billy1' as he was familiarly called,
enlisted with the boys as a private at the organization of the
company; he was then in his 25th year, a single man and a
farmer. In July '03, he was promoted to 2nd Sergeant and
after the promotion of Winbigler he acted as Orderly to the
close of the war. About the time of muster out he was com-
missioned as Lieutenant but never mustered.. He lives at Ha-
worth, Kansas.
Edwin W. Beetly, first comes to mind. A round faced,
rosy cheeked farmer lad of 20 when he enlisted; was always
one of the neatest soldiers in the company; a quiet, christian
disposition. Ed. was handy with needle and thread and be-
came quite a tailor during his four years service. We find,
however, in the regimental order book, Special Order No. 53, in
December, '02, a regimental court martial was ordered to try
Ed. for some misdemeanor, but lie was acquitted. We also find
in Special Orders Nos. 12 and 82, 1805, he received special men-
tion and was excused from duty for soldierly appearance and
fine condition of gun and accoutrements on inspection. He re-
enlisted and was mustered out with the regiment.
Then comes Charley Blinde, who served from start to
finish, as did also John Carle. Amos Dodd will be remembered
as one of the "sto ten-bottles," as we called the boys who did not
re-enlist. Then comes that soft spoken, grand soldier, Jasper
J. Greenlee, who used to build our bake ovens and then make
the bread and pies. Then comes "Lengthy," as we called him,
S. A. Hogue, the tallest man in the company: no better soldier
ever lived. He died in 18Q8, at Monmouth Illinois. John
i
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
5G9
Hess, always ready for duty and his gun ready for inspection.
Cornelius V. Johnson, brave and noble boy he was. The last
lime he was seen by any member of the company was as we
marched through the streets of Columbia, he rode up to the
company, (he was then detailed as special courier at division
headquarters,) and distributed a cady of tobacco among the
boys. Two days later he was reported as captured and killed.
George K. Logan enlisted as private, but soon was promoted to
Sergeant and served to the wind up. George was next to the
tallest man in the company, and ready at all times for duty or
rations, respected by all. a gallant soldier and a good citizen.
lie now lives at Red Oak. Iowa. Henry Line, one of our Color
Corporals ; there never was a better red headed soldier in the
war than Henry. Then John Laird, who can forget him, the
most boisterous man in the company; he is the fellow who used
t<> make fun of the hoys who reported on the sick list or went to
the hospital with a flesh wound, but John got this all knocked
out of him at Allatoona, where he got a flesh wound in the leg
and fooled with it until gangrene set in and John got on his back
in the hospital at Rome; he got well however, and stuck to old
glory and the boys to the end. John M. Marks, better remem-
bered as John M. "By God Sir." John was the smallest man
among the first enlistment; never got any larger, and remains
just the same to-day; but no better or braver soldier ever shoul-
dered a musket.
Then comes G. W. Mohler, "our George;" always looked
well and acted well : was considered the ladies man of the*com-
pany, but could keep up his end in the ranks. He and David
G. McGee usually bunked together and wrote to the same girl
back in Warren county. Corporal Pike that little hero who
gave up his life at Allatoona, will always live in the memory of
company I. A Post of the Grand Army in Kansas is named
after him. Perry Qui nn will be remembered as Corporal; he
wasn't the handsomest man, but no truer soldier could be found ;
and there is another Corporal that you won't forget, 0. A. Rusk.
That don't sound just right, "Obadoeh," 'that's him, and Cor-
porals Gus Thomas and Daniel J. Underwood, any one of these
(80)
570
HISTORY OF THE
boys were competent to command a regiment. Then there was
John Smith, and John Staley, and Hiram Swiler, or "Yuton,"
for short; and when it came time for rations, there was one
other member of company I that was always in demand, Serg'i
A. M. Thompson, or "Andy" as we called him, never had com-
pany a better Commissary
S£ • /jit
&&
f V
I
SERG'T A. M. THOMPSON.
Sergeant. See him as he di-
vides up the rations when we
were on quarter allowance;
look at those little piles of
crackers spread around on
that old poncho; see Andy
take up the remaining crack-
ers, when they would not go
one apiece around, and again
break them in half and see
that every fellow had his ex-
act share; look at him as he
sizes up the little piece of sow
bosom and with that old
butcher-knife marks it off.
He was particular because he
was just to a fault, and as
mild tempered as a woman; a true christian, ©xemp-Iifyingitin
all his acts. He was attending school when he enlisted, was in
his 20th year and enlisted as a private but in 1802 was made a
Corporal and in '03 was promoted to Sergeant, re-enlisted and
served to the final muster-out; was mentioned in Special Orders
No. 12 at Groldsborough and excused from duty for a number of
days for neat appearance and clean gun and accoutrements.
There is not a comrade of the company but that is indebted to
Thompson for many kind favors. He lives at Piper City, Ills
Last among the first enlistments, but not least by any
means, comes our two drummer boys, II. M. Shepherd and Wm.
H. Steelev, little curly-headed Bill, who got so deaf he couldn't
hear the discharge of a cannon. Bill was the pet of the regi-
ment, and the last year of his service acted as news-boy, and
FIFTIETH
XCv OIS INF AN TRY
571
;■
i
geemed to have the freedom :: : every camp. He was mustered
out at Rome, in September.. v'4. Little Bill died at Elmwood,
Illinois, several years ago. Shepherd veteraned and stayed
with the regiment until the final muster-out; was on the
march to the sea, up through the Carolines and on the grand
review at Washington, and the prize drill at Louisville. Lie
now lives at Manhattan, Kss>
The story of the days at Lynnville, Tenn., of how the
hoys re-enlisted, their trip home and return, is told in the regi-
mental history, but when they returned there went with them
twenty-two recruits; of the Dumber nineteen were boys in their
teens; eleven of them u:.>I.: -. I-j'nteen and. six of the eleven
under sixteen years ; yet under the care of the old veterans
these boys were soon versed in the ways of war. Little did they
dream that first bitter cold night in February, as they learned
to spoon together to keep warm in those bunks in that old. bar-
racks at Quincy, or on reaching Nashville, where they were
escorted to Hotel Zollieofier. and received their first dose of
grey-backs, that all this was but a faint introduction of what
was to follow for the nex: ::;:e-:-n months, but so it was for
fr<>m that time on the Fiftieth was in active service. If at
first these new recruits furnished amusement for the older vets.-
hecause of their awkward movements in drill and their inabil-
ity to look out for Xo. 1 ax the mess-table, they soon got over
this, for they proved apt scholars in the hands of experienced
teachers. They soon learned the ways of war.
The first on the roll of recruits comes Appleby, then Ar-
nold, little Bill Arnold, .-• :. became sick and in October was
discharged for disability.
Then comes 0. II. Coulter, the youngest member of the
company, and the smallest :•>«. but always answered "here"
when the roll was called. He was a school boy attending the
city school at Monmouth. First enlisted in May 18QS, and
again in December same year, both times taken out by his
father and given a good licking; finally, however, his parents
Rave their consent and under t::e especial charge of Chaplain
Bigger, he was enlisted as :.. recruit in company I, when they
572
HISTORY OF THE
v
w ■
I
w
^■fe-.
were at home on veteran furlough in February '04. Coulter
was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 18th, 1847. At the time of his
enlistment being just past his 16th year; weighed 94 pounds,
and not of the regulation heighth. what he
lacked in size was made up in pluck. His
name appears on the sick call once during his
service; on that occasion his ailment was a
desire to get excused from guard duty at
I Rome, hoping thereby to go with the com-
:\ pany on a foraging expedition. The Doctor,
f^| however, was on to the racket and gave the
I boy a half- pint of castor oil and made him
A take it in his presence.
In the 474 days service he was not ab-
sent from his company except when on duty
or special detail. Slightly wounded once
and captured once, but got away before he
was missed from the command. He bore the
nick-name of '"Heavy Set," on account of his
size. He participated with the company in
all its engagements and marches and was
ggT mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July IB. '05.
Now lives at Topeka, Kansas; is the owner
o. h. coulter. am] publisher of the Western Veteran of
Kansas City, Mo., the only soldier paper in the west: is prom-
inent in Grand Army circles, having been a Post Commander
for five years. Assistant Adjutant General of the Department
of Kansas, and the present Inspector General.
Clements, James B., will be remembered as among the
tall, sickly boys of the company, always ready for duty how-
ever when able for it. Was taken sick at Roine and sent to the
hospital, from there he was sent north and did not get back to
the regiment until we reached Groldsborough, X. C. While on
detached service he participated in the battle of Kinston, X. C.
He now lives at Hay Springs, Neb.
Matthew S. Claybaugh, better known as "Teeth," and
Ent. G. 0. The fellow who could plow up more stumps with
tefttf
mi
■
.
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
578
'
!iis feet than the entire company. Then long John Gallian,
thess boys were all odd in their way.
Then little "Bob. Wha," as we called R. J. BEoigue, always
ready for duty and for grub. His nick-name was given him at
Moreysville, Ala.: while on picket one night and sleeping along
side a rail fence Bob. dreamed he saw a coon on the fence and
raised up yelling out "wha, wha, rack coon." He now lives at
Tmgley, Iowa.
Robert Haughey, the largest among the recruits, was first
to sicken, and died at Rome, Aug. 11th, '64.
Hoffman was discharged for disability, and Bob. Legget
served to the end, as did also Jeremiah Mohler. Jerry as we
called him, was one of. the kids, he could eat more fried crack-
ers than any four men in the company, unless it was Jim. Mon-
roe.
The members of company I will remember Wm. S. Mar-
tin, or Scott, as he was called. The life of a soldier did not
agree with him and he spent a good portion of his time in the
hospital while at Rome, but he stayed to the finish and was
mustered out with the company. He has been dead some years
John Mahaffey, the red headed boy, was a good soldier
and kept a neat gun for which he received mention in special
orders. .Andy Ralston too, was equal to any emergency, and
never missed a turn of guard. "Mother One Thumb" was the
name given to Daniel Taylor. He could handle a mess kettle
better than a gun, and was kept at it most of the time.
Round shouldered Tom. Wilson, and among the last
comes George Wagaman, who was severely wounded at Alla-
toona, and who was afterwards transferred to the Veteran Re-
serve Corps and mustered out at Rock Island, 111., June 19, TC5.
There are many others of the company deserving of men-
tion. The company roster will record their names; in closing
however we add a few personal reminiscences.
Captain Dunn was in many respects a strict disciplina-
rian, but he believed in making war felt as the following inci-
dent will verify : .
While at Lynnville, Term., the command lived on the fat
0 i 1
HISTORY OF THE
of the land. John Laird, Charley Blind and John W. Stalev
could bring in more honey in one night than the company could
use in a week. The land literally flowed with milk and honey;
but it is a true saying that everything earthly has an end. On
dress parade one evening Colonel Ilanna caused an order to be
read wherebv any soldier found foraging would be arrested and
court martialed with loss of three months pay. Here was a
pretty state of things. Consternation reigned, but the three
foragers, waiting until darkness had come, slipped round to the
Captain and in alow tone said: "What are we going to do?"
To which the Captain replied. "Don't come to me. Do? Why
do just as you have been doing, and as I am tired I believe
I will turn -inji-' The next morning a fine porker was neatly
skinned and hanging in camp, and in due time a ham, nicely
trimmed, found its way to the Colonel's tent with the com-
pliments of company I. The next day riding through the
camp the Colonel raised his hat and said "thank you, company
I." And this ended the order; a most wise and righteous con-
clusion.
The passenger on the Western & Atlantic Railway, as he
goes whirling into Allatoona ,
tit, .'j??sj
W ~ -"t': '$£$£3 ■ ' W\~-&
*M*js Georgia, from the north, will,
fcjsspIS1 as his train enters the deep
\:MM cu^' notice- upon the west side
% ■ -.~">^4*~^> ."p\ "B^S^iWii cut, notice upon the west side
;i'^;v-- 'Vys^;v *xK— '-'' ^: "' il / 'VvvV-V^ °^ the trade, a lone grave.
r ■■; .: - ■;-;. ;-:^-: '■'-'^;> 'v>^|?v??-.v^ -.':^ r or years past the track
^-0^ii^^f'S^.^£^ hands of the road have held
^0^^^^-?^^^;?%^^^ bish and that the head and
^Cff^S^^gjy^^^^JT^i^ foot stones are firm in their
Tin: lone orave. place. A neat marble head-
stone has been placed in position on which is the following in-
scription :
-■
*
'
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
O/O
i
"AN
UNKNOWN HERO.
He died for the cause he thought was right*''
Around this lone resting place of one unknown and un-
named, poetry and romance have united in loving and commem-
orative endeavor — at times men and women have bedewed and
decked the silent dust with tears and flowers.
Who the soldier was has always been locked in a mystery
deemed unanswerable this side of death's flowing river. It is
believed that company I holds the key to that mystery, as near-
ly so at feast as it ever can be, as will appear by an extract from
a letter written by E. W. Beetley of company I. He writes:
"At the battle of Allatoona. when the rebels had retreat-
ed, Comrade George Mohlerand myself were going over the field
we heard some one making a noise in a thicket of blackberry
bushes, I said to Comrade Mohler "there is some one in there
that is hurt, let's go and see." So we went and found a rebel
who claimed to be the Adjutant of the 35th Mississippi. He
had a U. S. sword belt on. and had a new Enfield rilled musket
lying by his side. I took the belt from him and, I think Moh-
ler took the gun. I afterwards gave the belt to our Captain, F.
J. Dunn. We took the wounded man and carried him out and
laid him near the railroad track. I think he was wounded in
both legs."
In order to made assurance doubly sure in this matter
Comrade Beetley was requested to draw, as near as possible, an
outline sketch of the place where found and that portion. of the
track to which the wounded soldier was carried. This he did
and his locations are identical with that of the grave.
— o-
COMPANY K.
AT the close of the term of service of the Marion Battalion,
United States Reserve Corps, of Hannibal, Mo., Lieut. T.
D. McGillicuddy, (who had secured authority from Gen
John C. Fremont to organize a company for the war,) and 1st
•JiO
HISTORY OF THE
Sergeant Frederick Figalla, late of the Marion battalion, re-
paired to St. Joseph, Missouri, to recruit a company. About
that time the .surrender of Lexington, Missouri, under Col. Jas.
A. Mulligan, took place. The 18th Missouri Vol. Inf ty, com-
manded bv 3ol. Everett Peabody, was one of this command.
The officers of the late Marion Battalion were not slow
in taking advantage of the situation in recruiting a company
from the'survivors of this command, and November 1, 1861 the
company reported to the Fiftieth 111. Vol. fnFty, in camp at
Chiliicothe, Mo., and perfected $ temporary organization with
the following- officers : Captain, T. D. McGillicuddy ; 1st Lieu-
tenant. Jefferson White ; 2nd Lieutenant. Joseph C. Hart ; Or-
derly Sergeant, Harry A. Houston.
Subsequently the regiment was ordered into winter quar-
ters at St. Joseph, Mo. December 15, 1861, William A. Shane,
late of the 16th Illinois Infantry, reported to the regiment with
a detachment of recruits and was assigned to company K.
December 26th, 1861, a delegation from Hannibal, Mo.,
headed by Capt. Robert Tufts, appeared on dress parade and
presented company K with a beautiful silk flag, and Captain
McGillicuddy, on behalf of the company, accepted the same.
To satisfactorily equip the company with officers the
following order was issued from regimental bead quarters:
Headquarters 5.0th III. Vols.,
St, Joseph, Mo.. Jan. 8th, 1862.
Special Orders )
No. 12. \
To [lie Members of Company K:
You will meet at your headquarters on Thursday, 9th day
of January, A. D. 1862, at 10 o'clock a. m., for the purpose of
electing one Captain, one First Lieutenant and one Second
Lieutenant. All of the company are expected to be present.
By order of
WM. SWARTHOUT,
(Signed) Lieutenant Colonel Commanding.
T. Jeff. Brown,
Adjutant.
§•
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
O < <
■
-
Under this order the company perfected a permanent or-
nization, with the following officers:
Captain, Timothy D. McGillieuddy, Hannibal, Mo.
1st Lieutenant, Jefferson White, Carlyle, Mo.
2nd Lieutenant, William A. Shane. Dallas City, 111.
a non-commissioned officers as seen in the roster.
January 21, 1862, the regiment left St. Joseph, Mo., for a
>re active field of operation. The company shared in the
:: iiiies of the regiment from muster-in to muster-out.
The company was generally known and called by the
ys of the command "the battery company,1' by reason of a
>>sed movement made by it at the charge on Fort Donelson,
. 15, 1862, in obedience to the order of its commander, which
uld be distinctly heard above the din and clash of arms and
fcr of artillery— "attention K company, skin your eyes."
June 20th. 1§62, at Corinth, Lieut. William. A. Shane's res-
atioo was accepted. Subsequently Edward Jonas, of Quincy
ir ember of company C, was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant
I assigned to company K to supply vacancy made by Shane's
t gnation. Lieut. Jonas was immediately detailed on the
.:: of General B, M. Prentiss.
In August 1863, at Corinth, 1st Sergeant Harry A. Hous-
: sr&s transferred by promotion, as Captain of company C 1st
sWijia Inf'ty A. D. This command consisted of two regi-
-:'.:s- -organized at the contraband corral at Corinth, and prov-
•■ • it serviceable.
September 20, 1864, at Rome, Lieut. Jefferson White, was
~-;;-red out of service and 1st Sergeant James Corbin promo-
- 1st Lieutenant to fill vacancy.
November 11, 1801, company K was detailed as guard to
t:*20,ii Quartermasters train during Sherman's march to the
a, and the boys had a royal good time sampling the quality
sweet potatoes and turkeys produced in the land of Dixie.
January 1, 1865. at Savannah, Ga., Capt. McGillicuddy
-s mustered out of service by reason of expiration of service,
- July 10, 1865, James Corbin was promoted Captain to fill
v^cancv thus made, and same date Nelson Rickart and Silas
578
HISTORY OF THE
if m, 0m
If
i
m
t-~J
f
9
Ebersoie were promoted from the ranks to 1st and 2nd Lieu-
tenants,
At Louisville, Kentucky, the company with the regiment
was mustered out of the United States service by reason of the
"Cruel war being over."
Capt. Timothy D. McGillieuddy was born in Louisville,
-•-^v Ky.. Dec. 1st, 1835, where his
t father was then engaged in
constructing a ship canal
around the falls of Ohio.
At an early day he
moved with his parents, Dan-
iel and Julia A. McGillieud-
dy, to Cleveland, Ohio, where
he received a good common
school education, graduating
kfrom the Central High School
in 1854.
In 1856 he removed to
Hannibal, Mo., where he was
engaged in railroading up to
the breaking out of the war, during which time he took part
in the political affairs of the day, especially in the organiza-
tion of the free State of Kansas.-
When the dark cloud of war burst upon the country, lie
was not slow or backward in defining his position. Prior to
that ho cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln,
and raised the first American flag, (the stars and stripes,) over
his abiding place in Hannibal, Mo., in February 1SC)1.
At the first war meeting held in Hannibal, March 15. '01.
he was one of a committee of five appointed to organize a com-
mand for the protection of the loyal citizens of North East
Missouri. This resulted in the organization of the Marion Bat-
talion, United States Reserve Corps, of Hannibal. Mo.
April 17th, 1861, he enlisted in company B. Marion Bat-
talion U. S. R. C, and at the organization of the company was
unanimously chosen 1st Lieutenant. The battalion's service
*
p.«l—
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
579
■
I
was tendered the Government through Gen. W. S. Harney then
commanding at St. Louis, but was rejected on account of State
neutrality. Soon afterward Gen. Nathaniel Lyon succeeded
Gen. Harney and at Aiee accepted the proffered service, order-
ing the command to St. Louis to be mustered, armed and equip-
ped. Gen. Lyon attending personally to all the details of the
business.
The command returned to Hannibal on a war footing and
entered active military service in North, East and West Mis-
souri until relieved by the -Jlst Illinois Inf'ty Vols., then com-
manded by Col. Ulysses S. Grant.
July 4th, 1861, the loyal ladies of Hannibal, through
their representative, George H. Shields, a gallant, loyal son of
the South- presented company B of this command a beautiful
stand of silk colors, and Lieutenant McGillicuddy, then com-
manding the company, accepted the same on their behalf.
He participated in all the engagements of this command
from the capture of Camp Jackson and streets of St. Louis to
Wikon's Creek. Mo., Aug. 10th, 1861.
September 5tn, 1861, this command was mustered out of
service. In the mean time Lieut. McGillicuddy received au-
thority from Gen. John C. Fremont to organize a company for
the war and was not slow in taking advantage of the opportu-
nities presented at the surrender of Lexington, Mo., by Colonel
Mulligan. Sept, 19, 1861, in organizing another company from
ill survivors of the surrender and attaching it to an Illinois
c< minand.
On October 5th, 1861, he was commissioned Captain of
company K. Fiftieth 111. Inf'ty Vols, and participated in all the
engagements of this command from the taking of Fort Henry,
T nn.. to the lall of Savannah, Ga.
He was sick with typhoid fever at Corinth, Miss., from
Ma\ to October 1862, and on his recovery to health was detailed
u> :r. :.r -r of a general court martial, subsequently as post ofri-
( ■ r of the day, in which capacity he served about one year. He
^as mustered out of service at Savannah, Ga., Jan. 1, 1865.
Returning to civil life ho settled in Akron, Ohio, where
>
580
HISTORY OF THE
!
he engaged in business in manufacturing, subsequently in ma-
chine shop.
March 21st, 1867, he became a charter member of Buck-
ley Post No. 12, Gr. A. R., of Akron, 0., and has filled various
positions in the Post and Department, viz:
Post Commander from 1873 to 1870, Assistant Quarter-
master Greneral 1875, Junior Vice Department Commander '76,
Judge Advocate General '70. Assistant Adjutant General 'SO,
District Mustering Officer '84-5, Delegate to National Encamp-
ment 1870, '75, '80 and '86, and Department Historian. Sept.
5th, 18G7, he became a charter member of Cascade Division No.
300 Sons of Temperance and has taken an active part in this
work, filling positions in the order from Worthy Patriarch to
Grand Worthy Patriarch of the State of Ohio, also a charter
member of Akron Lodge Xo. 517, I. 0. O, F.
October 15th, 1875, lie, with a few others, inaugurated a
movement resulting in the establishment of the Ohio National
Guard, and served as Adjutant for five years in the 8th regiment
O.N. G.
November 18th, 1807, at Akron, Ohio, he was united in
marriage with Francis L., only daughter of Dr. Israel E. and
Mary (Williamson) Carter. By this union one child was born.
Kate L.
Captain MeGilliouddy had two brothers in the late war,
Daniel W. and John IT., of Chicago, III., both served in compa-
ny I, 0th Ohio Vol. Infty.
In 1884 Captain McGillieuddy was compelled to give up
active business pursuits by reason of continued ill health, and
seek relief in the mountains of Colorado, during which time he
succeeded in organizing the Society of Illinois Ex-Soldiers in
Colorado and became the first President, with William E.
Moses, of Denver, Secretary.
In 1880 Governor J. B. Foraker appointed Capt. McGil-
lieuddy engineer in chief at the State House, Columbus, Ohio,
which position he filled to the satisfaction of the people of the
State and oilicials,
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
581
i-V:
I
^
He is now, (1893), engaged as military historian and his
home and address is Akron, Ohio.
*
The following: interesting story of service from Lieut.
Edward Jonas, is worthy of place in this volume:
"I entered the service with the Quincy Cadets under T.
W". Let ton, joining a Pay son
contingent forming company
C of the Fiftieth, and remain-
ed with the regiment as a
private cf that company in
North Missouri until the reg-
iment was orderedto Tennes-
see*. There I was detailed as
orderly by 3 en, B. M. Pren-
tiss and at Shiloh, owing to
lack of staff officers I presume
he used me as an A. D. C,
and I was captured with him,
returning from prison in Oc-
tober, '62. I was promoted to
2nd Lieut, of company K, Fif-
tieth 111. Infty, Nov. 6, '62
and by order of Gen. Grant
detached and ordered to report as A. D. C. to Gen. Prentiss.
During the Vicksburg campaign was there off and on during
the seige, but was present with Gen. Prentiss when he so sig-
nally defeated Price and Holmes, with four times his own force,
at Helena, Ark., July 4th. 1863; Prentiss shortly after resign-
ing I was transferred to the start of Gen. Hurl hurt, our corps
commander, and upon his being ordered to New Orleans I asked
to be ordered to rejoin the regiment. Arriving at Kingston,
ion, I found the Fiftieth was at Home, separated from the main
arn:v and with no present means of communication, and was
instructed by Gen. G. M. Dodge to accompany him until I could
reach the regiment.
Shortly afterward-; I was detailed as A. D. 0. to General
Dodge and remained with him (luring the Atlanta campaign,
LIEUT. EDWARD JONAS.
582
HISTORY OF THE
!
i
■
'■
until Iiis wound compelled him to go north. His staff accom-
panied him. As I left a commission, which had followed me
for months, as Captain of company K readied me, but as the
company had not men enough to justify my muster it was of
no service, so was mustered out April 29, 18G5.
Shortly afterwards I was commissioned Captain and A.
D. C. U. S. Vols., Brevet Major and Brevet Lieut, Col., and ac-
companied Gen. Dodge to the Department, of the Missouri, and
the war ending tcok the field with him in 1 805, against the In-
dians, and was finally mustered out of service in the winter of
I860.
While detached I never lost my interest in the gallant
Fiftieth, where so many of my friends and old schoolmates were
making glorious records, and have no prouder recollections than
that of having been private soldier as well as officer in its ranks.
To all old comrades I extend fraternal greeting.
Your 3,
EDWARD JONAS,
Cora Plantation,
White Castle P. O..
Louisiana."
Capf. James Corbin enlisted in company D from Burton,
111., Aug. 19, 1861, as 5th Sergeant served in tins company until
April 1st, 1802, when he was transferred to company K ; served
with the company and was the first of the company to re-enlist
Dec. BO, '08. Promoted 1st Sergeant and on Sept.;26, ?64, 1st
Lieut, succeeding 1st Lieutenant White. Was promoted Captain
July 10, 1805, but mustered out as 1st Lieutenant. Now resides
at Carthage, 111.
First Lieutenant Jefferson White, of Carlyle, Mo., mus-
tered in with the company and out at Rome, Ga., Sept. 20, *04,
was succeeded by James Corbin and he by
First Lieutenant Nelson Rickart, of Dallas City, who
enlisted Jan. 1, '62, at St. Joseph; re-enlisted as a veteran, was
promoted to Sergeant and July 10, '05, to 1st Lieutenant, not
mustered but discharged as 1st Sergeant.
Second Lieut. William A. Shane, of Dallas Citv, was
■
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
583
•.
succeeded by. Edward Jonas, who being promoted, was in turn
succeeded by-
Second Lieut. Silas Ebersole, who enlisted at 18 years of
age, by occupation a farmer, unmarried and resided at Pleas-
ant View, Ray, county, Mo. He enlisted on the 1st of Novem-
ber 1861, as a private in company K. Was wounded at Shiloh,
April Gth, 1862, in the left ankle, taken to city hospital, St.
Louis, for treatment and returned to regiment July 2, *G2, Re-
enlisted at Lynnville, Tenn., and was promoted to 3rd Sergeant
January 1, 1804. Was again shot through his coat at Calhoun
Ferry, Ga. Promoted to 2nd Sergeant April 2, 1865, and to
2nd Lieutenant on July 10, T>o, and mustered out July. 18, 1865.
Was in all engagements in which the regiment took part ex-
cept the last day of the battle of Shiloh and the advance upon
Corinth, in May and. June 1802, Was in the hospital three
times only. Was never arrested for any cause or delinquency
while in the service of "Uncle Sam," never missed a single roll-
call except when properly excused. His record is complete. He
now resides in Edith, Kansas.
William H. Graham was 18 vears of ace, a resident of
Payson, and enlisted Jan. 1, '62, as a private; served with the
company, re-enlisted, and in Feb. 180-1, was promoted 4th Ser-
geant then to 3rd Sergeant and was mustered out July 22, '65.
Is Vice President of the Bank of MiddJetown, Mo., where he
now resides.
Anthony Horton, of High Hill, Mo., was 24 years of age,
a farmer, unmarried, and resided at Calhoun, 111., when he en-
listed on the 29th day of November, 1804, as a private in com-
pany K. Was not wounded, but at the close of the war had a
fall that has troubled him ever since. His travels are also of
interest, similar to C. P. Crites', of company F. He was in the
battle of Nashville, Tenn., followed on to Hun tsy.il le, Ala., back
to Nashville, then to Louisville, Kyv, by boat, then to Indian-
apolis, then Portland, Me., Morehead City, X. C„ Wiser's Forks,
Goldsborough and Raleigh, N. C, Washington and the Grand
Review, and was discharged at Camp Btitler, July 13, l$i)>).
Thoophilus J. McBeath, a school teacher, 29 years of age,
'
584 HISTORY OF THE
1
unmarried, residing in Clinton county, Mo., enlisted on the 1st
day of November, 1SG1, as a private in company K. Was at the
battles of Forts Henry and Donelson, Shiloh and seige of Cor-
inth, where he contracted chronic diarrhea, resulting in being
sent to Keokuk, Iowa, in June and his discharge September 29,
'02. Concerning his service he says — ''having previously enlist-
ed, July 28, 1861, in company C, 13th Mo. Ihf'iy and mustered
out Oct. 20, '61, re-enlisted Nov. 1, 1861, in company K, and
having been mustered out in Sept. 1802, for disability, was so
far recovered that on October 9, 1803, re-enlisted in company
B 12th Mo. cavalry and was mustered out April 9, '06." . He
also savs : "lam glad to know that tiie history of the "Blind
Half" is being written. A reminder of the dark days of the
rebelion ; of the times that tried men's souls. Although I was
only a short time with it, I feel proud of the record it has
made. I was one among the first men to enlist in company
K; was boarding at a hotel in St. Joe when Capt. T. D. McGil-
licnddy came there to enlist men for his company, and assisted
him in securing enlistments among the men of the 13th Mo.
Inf'ty who were then on parole, having been captured at Lex-
ington, Mo., Sept. 30, 01."
Franklin Taylor was another one of the Lexington pris-
oners enrolled in company B, 25th Mo. cavalry, Aug. 28, y0i .
Was captured at the battle of Lexington, Mo. Discharged on
the 20th of Oct., '01, at St. Joseph. Here it was supposed by
the men was the end of their service in the 25th, and many of
them re-enlisted in other commands. So on the 1st of Novem-
ber '01, Frank re-enlisted as a private in company K. He re-
resided in Andrew county, Mo., at the time. Was talking with
■/ 7 7 O
Corporal Dane the night before he was wounded and asked the
Corporal why he did not write to his wife to relieve her from
anxiety and fear that he might be killed, he replied, "the rebel
ball is not yet moulded to kill me." Frank re-enlisted at
Lynnville and served through the war. Resides at Luray, Kas.
David Whitcomb was 23 vears old, a farmer and lived
near Payson. Enlisted in company D as a private; made a
Sergeant at the organization of the company and transferred t<>
company K Oct. 1, 1802. Was wounded in the shoulder at Cor-
inth, Oct. 4th, and discharged at expiration of term of service
Sept. 27, 1804.
i
i
i
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
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5SG
HISTORY OF THE
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Cause of the War. The Assault on Ft. .Sumpter and Surrender.
The Call to Arms
PAGE.
CHAPTER II.
Organization of the Adams County Regiment. Rendezvous at Camp
Wood, First Experiences as a Soldier. Mastered into the United States
Service. Drawing Uniforms. The Old Harper's Ferry Muskets. Dis-
gmest of the Men. Having their Pictures Taken 15
CHAPTER III. *
The Departure from Quincy. Camp "Bane" at Hannibal. First
Regimental Orders Issued. Capture of Rebel Flag &c 26
CHAPTER IV.
Trip to Chillicothe. Camp Prentiss Established, Detail made for
a Scout, The Expedition tojimtown. Sergeant Stewart Relates an In-
cident 3:i
CHAPTER V.
Camp Life at St. Joe. The Bakery. Thanks for Barrel 'of Molasses.
Capt. Hanna's Dinner to his Company. Ordered to the South, via Han-
nibal and Quincy. The Halt at Quincy. Loyal Reception. OiT for Cario.
Arrival There. Ordered to Smithland. Grand Movement to Ft. Henry.
Its Investment and Capture. Scenes and Incidents 53
CHATTER VI
Ft, Henry after its Capture. Gen. Tilghman. The Advance on
Doneison. Its Investment. Operations < > t* .'id Brigade. Smith'- Division.
Privations of and Heroic Endurenee of the Troop-. How the Companies
Off Duty Kept Warm. Cot. Bane rises from a Sick Bed. The Assault on
the Works and their Capture. The Surrender <>f Ft. Doneison. ''Worse
than the Infernal Regions." Incidents. Capt. MeGillictuly's Letter. He-
port of Col. Cook 01
G2S
HISTORY OF THE
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CHAPTER VII.
After Douelson. The Departure for Clarksvilie on Steamer Iatan.
Her Captain Receives a Schooling in Loyalty. Expedition to Nashville
and Return. Succrssful Foraging. Capture of Cannon and Commissary
Stores. Resignation of Adjutant Brown. Oil the way to Shiloh. At
Crump's Landing. Fruit from Hume. Night before the Rattle.
ft
CHAPTER VIII.
Shiloh. . Movements of Rebel General Johnson. His Force. In-
teresting Reminiscences of the Battle by Lieut. T. YV; Letton. The Alarm
of Battle. The Struggle and Final Victory. Wounding of Cols. Bane aud
Swarthout and Capture of the Latter. His Life Saved by a Rebel Chap-
lain. Hannibal Wounded but Recovers
CHAPTER IX.
From Shiloh to Corinth. Grant and his detractors. Arrival of
Pope. Camp at Monterey. How the Fiftieth Outflanked the Seventh
A Southern Necklace. ,lGen. Danes." Closing the Line on Corimh.
The Evacuation, Retreat and Pursuit. Return to Corinth. Oriraniza-
tion of Camp, Loyalty versus Treason. The Chaplain's Visit Home.
Plis Success. Lavish Supply of Vegetables and Fruit. The Prayer Meet-
ings. Reflections
105
CHAPTER X,
■
The Advance of Price and Van Dorn. Preparation for Rattle.
Rosec-rans in Command; The Assault of the Third and Repulse, Next
Day's Terrible Struggle. The Victory. The Story of the Fiftieth's Gal-
lant Action of Officers and Men. Chaplain Bigger and General Roseerans
Sketches and Incidents of the Battle. Reports of General Davies, Colonels
DuBois and Swarthout V20
CHAPTER XL
The Pursuit. The Battlefield. Scenes and Incidents. The March
to the Hatchie. Rout of the Rebels Complete. Crossi rig of the Hatchie.
Foraging. Activity of the Command. The Return. Letters from Home. 159
CHAPTER XII.
Camp Duties. Drill, Policing and Guard. Amusements. Queer Game
Letter Writing Independence Day. Surrender of Col Dick Rowett. Death
of Lieut. Marshall. Proclamation of the President, Congratulatory Orders
over the Surrender of Vicksburg and Victory at Gettysburg A Happy
time. Present of Guidons from Mrs. Col Swarthout and Sister, Military
Execution. All Quiet in Front li)T
i
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
CHAPTER XIII.
The Building of (lie Church. The Bell, requeut Skirmishes.
Railroad Gunboats. President's Proclamation. Brigade Prize Drill. Ke
enlistments as Veterans. Fun in Camp. Bolly Dick. Patriotic Letter.
Preparing to Move. Delay and Discontent. Thirteenth Regulars, Ar-
rival of General Sherman, Oil at Last. ' Skin your Eyes."- Daughters
of Chivalv. Thanksgiving Day . ,
CHAPTER XIV.
Out on a Riid ti Shoal Cr~»ek under Maj. Hanna. A Cross Trail.
The Death of Corporal MeGee. Rapid Mounting of the Regiment Order
Na. 1!. Expedition under Cols. Miller and Gaines. "Hoe Cakes."
B<-ach Lawrenceburg. Camp on Blue Water. A Valuable booster. An
Important Discovery. An Exciting Pursuit. Gallant Actioju of Col.
Gaines and bis Troopers. A Notable Capture. The Return to Lynnville.
629
211
231
CHAPTER XV,
To Veteran or not to Veteran. The Question Settled. Prepara-
tion? for the Return to Lllsnois, Waiting for Orders. The March to
Duck River. On the Way Home. Reception Along the Way. Crawf-
ordsville. Home. The Welcome. Happy Days. Recruiting. The End of
the Furlough. Hastening to Quincy. Preparations for Departure to the
Front
245
CHAPTER XV L.
Assembling of the Regiment. Leaye Taking. Fail in Blind Half.
Arrival at Lynnvtlie. Sawing Railroad Timber. Off for tho Front.
Death of Marquis Booth. Breaking in Recruits, Heavy Snow. Dis-
mounted. Off for Huutsville. McClelland. Arrival at Rome, Ga
260
I
CHAPTER XVII.
AUatoona
I0i
.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Closing Incidents Around Rome. Reconnoi tering and Skirmishing,
The Sick and Wounded Going North. Preparations for a Grand Move-
ment Gea.. Sherman at Rome. Off for a Trip *4Througb Georgia." On
the Wrong Road. Destroying Railroads. Arrival at Savannah. The
Seige. Ft. McAllister. The Hungry Poragers. The President's Christmas
Present, etc
«
31 G
I
030
HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTER XIX.
Sight. Seeing in Savannah. The Sanitary Commission. Capture
of a Blockade Runner. Comparing Life with the Sailor. Return of Cot.
Hanna: Invasion of South Carolina. Crossing Salkahatchie Swamp
Feragers. The Burning of Columbia 337
CHAPTER XX.
"Whar's Massa Sherman?" Guying the Sergeant Major. Burning
Turpentine Still. Lynch Creek. '-Death to all Foragers:" Successful
Foraging. Cheraw. The Great Explosion. Arrival at Fuyettevilie, X.
C. Off for Goldsborou-h. Wading the River. Preparing for Battle.
Bentouviile. Goldsborough -'Richmond has Fallen. The Recruit's Ex-
perience " 354
CHAPTER XXI.
Again on the March. "Lee has Surrendered." Passing Through
Raleigh. Sad News from Washington. Surrender of Johnson. Off for
Home Arrival at Petersburg, Va. Richmond. The Foot Race. The
Grand Review. Steamboat Race. Louisville, Ky. The Prize Drill 381
CHAPTER XXII.
Our Flags 416
• L CHAPTER XX I IP
Hospital Chapter 410
CHAPTER XXIV.
Fiftieth Regiment Illinois Volunteer In.antry Re-union Associa-
tion. Organization of the Association. History Talk. Slow Work.
(Jetting Down to Business. Enjoyable Times 4*13
Biographical Sketches 481
Company Histories 50 L
Regimental Rosier 5S5
i
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